Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis

Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis is a goodeid livebearer endemic to the Lake Cuitzeo drainage in Michoacán, Mexico — a lake system that has experienced severe environmental degradation. This species is maintained almost entirely through captive breeding by hobbyist conservation groups and is considered functionally extinct in the wild.

In the aquarium, this goodeid displays subtle but attractive iridescent scaling on the flanks and shows interesting social behaviour within a group. Males develop slightly more intense colouration than females and engage in active courtship displays.

This species is ideal for the conservation hobbyist who wants to contribute to goodeid preservation while keeping an interesting and reasonably easy-to-maintain livebearer.

Water: 18–24 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 8–18; stable, cool, well-oxygenated conditions. Tank: 80 L minimum; planted species tank; good filtration. Feeding: Quality flake, Daphnia, spirulina; 2 small meals daily. Breeding: Goodeid; gestation 60–70 days; 5–20 fry per litter; maintain conservation records. Compatibility: Peaceful; species tank or goodeid community.