Ameca splendens – Livebearing Goodeid – 3.5 to 5 cm

Ameca splendens: A Remarkable Mexican Goodeid

Ameca splendens is a livebearing fish belonging to the Goodeidae family and is native to Mexico.

The species displays pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males have metallic blue colouration and a distinctive yellow band on the caudal fin, while females have a more silver and mottled appearance.

The specimens offered here measure approximately 3.5 to 5 cm.

Adult Size of Ameca splendens

Males reach approximately 6 cm, while females are generally larger and can reach around 8 cm.

What Size Aquarium Does Ameca splendens Need?

An aquarium with a minimum length of around 60 cm and a volume of approximately 50 litres provides a basis for keeping this species.

When keeping several individuals, the aquarium size should be adjusted according to the number of fish and any other species sharing the tank.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 7 to 8.5
KH: 5 to 15
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Stable and well-maintained water conditions are essential for keeping the species successfully.

Feeding Ameca splendens

Ameca splendens has an algae-eating and insectivorous diet.

In captivity, it accepts prepared aquarium fish foods such as pellets and flakes.

A varied diet suited to its natural feeding habits will help provide appropriate nutrition.

Behaviour and Care

Ameca splendens can be kept individually or with several members of its own species. When kept in a group, keeping several females helps prevent a single female from receiving all the attention from the males.

Tank mates should be selected according to their compatibility with the behaviour and care requirements of Ameca splendens.

Breeding Ameca splendens

Ameca splendens is a livebearing fish. Rather than laying eggs in the aquarium, females give birth to fully formed young.

Like other Goodeids, this species has a specialised reproductive system. The embryos develop inside the female and receive maternal nutritional support during their development.

Lifespan

Under suitable captive conditions, Ameca splendens has a lifespan of approximately 4 years.

Origin and Conservation of Ameca splendens

Ameca splendens is native to Mexico. The species is considered extinct in the wild, but populations continue to survive through captive maintenance and breeding.

Captive populations therefore have particular conservation importance for this species.

Aquarium fish must never be released into the wild.

Key Facts About Ameca splendens

• livebearing Goodeid native to Mexico;
• size offered: 3.5 to 5 cm;
• adult male size: approximately 6 cm;
• adult female size: up to approximately 8 cm;
• pronounced sexual dimorphism;
• temperature: 22 to 28 °C;
• pH: 7 to 8.5;
• algae-eating and insectivorous diet;
• livebearing reproduction;
• lifespan of approximately 4 years;
• considered extinct in the wild.