Butterfly Goodeid (Ameca splendens)
Fish in the family Goodeidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameAmeca splendens
FamilyGoodeidae
Also known asButterfly Splitfin, Ameca
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
DietOmnivore
Adult size3.5 in
Minimum tank size30 gallons
Water parametersTemp 64-79°F, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 10-25 dGH
Appearance
Stocky goodeid; males olive-grey with a yellow-edged tail band, females speckled. Named for a butterfly-like display.
Difficulty and care for the Butterfly Goodeid
Moderate
Origin and habitat
Rio Ameca basin, Mexico (extinct or nearly so in the wild)
Keeper notes
Active fin-nipper and boisterous; harasses slow or long-finned fish. Best in a robust single-species group; needs algae-rich diet to curb aggression.
Log Butterfly Goodeid in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Butterfly Goodeid alongside everything else in your reef.
