Jeweled splitfin

Xenotoca variata

Also known as Jeweled goodeid, Variable splitfin

FreshwaterFish

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
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Easy
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Endemic to the upper Rio Lerma and Rio Panuco basins on the central Mexican plateau, in springs, lakes, and slow streams.
Family: Goodeidae

Overview

Keep a group of six or more in 75 liters or larger at 18 to 27 C, pH 7.0 to 8.0, in medium hard to hard water. Like other Xenotoca they can nip fins, so pick sturdy tankmates or run a species tank, and keep extra females. Feed a varied omnivore diet leaning on vegetable foods and algae. Adults may eat their own fry, so provide dense plants or a separate rearing tank.

In the wild

Give jeweled splitfins a group tank with hard water, good filtration, and a mix of planting and open space. Males develop a scatter of blue, green, and gold spangles over the flanks with orange in the fins, brightest when several males compete. They graze aufwuchs and take most prepared foods. They cope with a wide temperature range and even unheated rooms in temperate climates.

Good to know

Xenotoca variata is a livebearing goodeid whose females carry young for around 55 days and nourish them through trophotaeniae before giving birth to well developed fry. Group living leads to a clear social hierarchy among males. Reported maximum length is about 7 cm.

Did you know

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