TankBud

Jeweled splitfin

Xenotoca variata

Also known as Jeweled goodeid, Variable splitfin

FreshwaterFish

Jeweled splitfin (Xenotoca variata)

Care at a glance

Temperature
64–81°F
18–27°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
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Livebearer · Easy
Rarity
Rare
Family
Goodeidae
Origin
Endemic to the upper Rio Lerma and Rio Panuco basins on the central Mexican plateau, in springs, lakes, and slow streams.

Overview

The jeweled splitfin is a spangled livebearer for a group tank with hard water and some planting. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

Male jeweled splitfins can look drab in a bare shop tank. They color up dramatically once settled into a planted display with rivals to show off against.

Caring for the jeweled splitfin

Keep a group of six or more jeweled splitfins in 20 gal (75 L) or larger, with extra females. Give them a mix of planting and open space, with good filtration.

Keep the water medium hard to hard, at 64 to 81°F (18 to 27°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. They cope with a wide temperature range, even unheated rooms in temperate climates. Feed a varied omnivore diet that leans on vegetable foods and algae. They graze aufwuchs and take most prepared foods.

Like other Xenotoca, jeweled splitfins can nip fins, so pick sturdy tank mates or run a species tank. Males develop a scatter of blue, green and gold spangles over the flanks, with orange in the fins. They are brightest when several males compete.

The jeweled splitfin is a livebearer and easy to breed. Females carry their young for around 55 days and give birth to well-developed fry. Adults may eat their own fry, so provide dense plants or a separate rearing tank.

Good to know

The jeweled splitfin, Xenotoca variata, is a goodeid whose females nourish their developing young through trophotaeniae. Group living leads to a clear social hierarchy among the males.

In the wild

The jeweled splitfin is endemic to the upper Rio Lerma and Rio Panuco basins on the central Mexican plateau. It lives in springs, lakes and slow streams.

Common questions

What size tank does a jeweled splitfin need?

A jeweled splitfin needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a jeweled splitfin need?

A jeweled splitfin is comfortable at 64–81°F (18–27°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a jeweled splitfin eat?

A jeweled splitfin eats a varied omnivore diet that leans on vegetable foods and algae. It grazes aufwuchs and takes most prepared foods.

How big does a jeweled splitfin get?

An adult jeweled splitfin reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).

How can you tell a male jeweled splitfin from a female?

Males develop a scatter of blue, green and gold spangles over the flanks, with orange in the fins.

How does a jeweled splitfin breed?

Jeweled splitfins are livebearers and easy to breed. A female carries her young for around 55 days and gives birth to well-developed fry, which adults may eat.

Related species