Bumblebee goodeid
Allotoca dugesii
Also known as Opal allotoca, Bumblebee allotoca
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 64–79°F
- 18–26°C
- pH
- 7.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 2.8 in
- 7 cm
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- 75 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Goodeidae
- Origin
- Endemic to the highlands of Michoacan and Jalisco, Mexico, in the upper Rio Lerma basin, Lake Patzcuaro, and nearby springs and lakes.
Overview
Keep six or more in 75 liters or larger at 18 to 26 C, pH 7.0 to 8.0, in medium hard to hard water. Feed a balanced diet of vegetable flake, algae, and modest amounts of frozen daphnia and brine shrimp, and go easy on very rich foods so females do not become overgravid. Best in a species tank or with other calm goodeids. Females reach about 7 cm, males a little smaller.
In the wild
A dark, velvety goodeid whose males show near black bodies with bright yellow to orange fins, giving the bumblebee name. Keep a group in a planted tank with hard water, some current, and quiet corners out of the flow. They graze algae and take most foods. This is an endangered highland species, so aquarium breeding helps hold a safety population.
Good to know
Allotoca dugesii is a matrotrophic goodeid livebearer that gives birth to well developed young fed internally through trophotaeniae. Females can carry large broods, and overfeeding rich foods can leave them overloaded and struggling to give birth. It is listed as endangered in the wild.
Did you know
A dominant male in breeding color can look almost jet black with glowing yellow fins, then dull down quickly when moved or stressed.
Common questions
What size tank does a Bumblebee goodeid need?
A Bumblebee goodeid needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Bumblebee goodeid need?
A Bumblebee goodeid is comfortable at 64–79°F (18–26°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.
How big does a Bumblebee goodeid get?
An adult Bumblebee goodeid reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).
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