Butterfly Goodeid

Ameca splendens was declared extinct in the wild in the 1990s and survives today entirely through captive breeding by dedicated aquarists worldwide. Males display beautiful iridescent blue-yellow colouration with a distinctive yellow caudal fin edge. Keeping and breeding this species is a direct contribution to biodiversity conservation.

Water: 20–26°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderately to hard water. Tank: 80L minimum, robust planting — they browse heavily on soft plants. Feeding: Omnivore — algae, vegetable matter, pellets, frozen invertebrates; plant-heavy diet important. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; males spar and chase females — balance sex ratios. Compatibility: Keep with robust similarly-sized species; not with nano or delicate fish.