Goldbreast splitfin

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep a group of six or more in a longer tank of 90 liters or larger at 18 to 26 C, pH 7.0 to 8.0, in medium hard to hard water with brisk flow. Feed a varied diet of vegetable flake, algae, and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm. They are mostly peaceful but boisterous and fast, so pick tankmates that can handle active company. Males squabble but rarely cause real damage.

In the wild

A streamlined, active goodeid built for current, so give it a longer tank with good flow and high oxygen. Males can show a golden to orange breast and yellow edged fins. They graze algae heavily in the wild and also chase small invertebrates. Open swimming lanes with some rockwork suit their fast, restless habits.

Good to know

Ilyodon furcidens is a matrotrophic livebearer whose fry develop with trophotaeniae and are born large and well formed. The genus is variable, and tooth and body shape differ between populations that mainly graze algae and those that feed more on invertebrates. Adults can reach about 10 cm.

Did you know

Their trout like shape and love of current are why hobbyists often call them trout goodeids.

Related species

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  Butterfly goodeid

  Ameca splendens

  4.7 in (12 cm)24 gal (90 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Redtail splitfin

  Xenotoca eiseni

  2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)64–82°F (18–28°C)
• Bumblebee goodeid

  Allotoca dugesii

  2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)64–79°F (18–26°C)
• Jeweled splitfin

  Xenotoca variata

  2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)64–81°F (18–27°C)

• 

  Tequila splitfin

  Zoogoneticus tequila

  2.6 in (6.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)

• 

  Rainbow goodeid

  Characodon lateralis

  2.4 in (6 cm)15 gal (57 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)