Husbandry and care guides

Maintaining rare and endangered viviparous species requires sound environmental management, pristine water conditions, and dedicated care. Whether you are setting up your first biotope for Ameca splendens or refining conditions for delicate halfbeaks like Dermogenys pusilla, our protocols help you cultivate thriving breeding colonies that actively contribute to ex-situ conservation.

Frequently asked questions

Find expert guidance on tank dimensions, water parameters, nutrition, and colony dynamics to safeguard these extraordinary livebearing species in your care.

What water parameters do Goodeids generally require?

Most goodeid species, such as Zoogoneticus tequila and Xenotoca doadrioi, thrive in temperate, moderately hard to hard alkaline water. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 8.0, general hardness (GH) of 10–20 dGH, and temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. Seasonal temperature drops in winter often stimulate natural breeding cycles.

What tank size is suitable for active species like Ameca splendens?

We recommend a minimum tank volume of 100 to 120 litres for a small colony of Ameca splendens. They are vigorous swimmers and competitive feeders, requiring open swimming areas alongside dense plantings of hardy flora such as Vallisneria and Java fern to offer refuge.

How do you care for miniature livebearers like Heterandria formosa?

The least killifish (Heterandria formosa) thrives in mature, heavily planted nano aquariums from 30 litres upwards. They prefer gentle filtration, stable water chemistry, and live feeds such as microworms and baby brine shrimp. They produce fry in continuous 'superfoetation' clutches rather than large single broods.

What special setup is needed for Dermogenys pusilla?

Wrestling halfbeaks (Dermogenys pusilla) dwell exclusively near the water surface. Provide a shallow tank with gentle current, floating vegetation like frogbit, and a secure lid, as they can jump when startled. Keep surface disturbances modest and feed floating foods, fruit flies, and live daphnia.

How do I prevent fry predation within a breeding colony?

True goodeids, such as Skiffia multipunctata and Zoogoneticus tequila, give birth to relatively large, well-developed fry that adult parents rarely consume if adequately fed. Providing thick cover like hornwort, moss, and rock crevices ensures high survival rates without needing separate breeding traps.

What diet best supports viviparous species health?

A diverse diet is critical. While species like Heterandria formosa require micro-carnivore foods, goodeids such as Ameca splendens need significant vegetable matter and algae supplements, combined with spirulina flakes, frozen bloodworms, and live artemia.

Can different Goodeid species be kept together in one tank?

We strongly discourage housing multiple goodeid species in the same aquarium. To preserve pedigree integrity and prevent hybridisation or territorial aggression, each species must be maintained in a dedicated species-only setup.

Do Goodeids require winter cooling periods?

Yes, many highland Mexican species benefit greatly from a winter cooling period between 15°C and 18°C for 6 to 8 weeks. This natural resting period rests reproductive females, boosts longevity, and prompts robust spring mating behaviour.

Interested in collaborating with us?

We welcome researchers, institutions, conservation breeders, and experienced aquarists interested in studying the reproduction, development, physiology, or conservation of livebearing fishes. If you have a research question or project idea, we’d like to hear from you.

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