Just like its famous relative, X. helleri (Swordtail), this species is inherently highly variable and has been developed into numerous color varieties. It has also been hybridized with both X. helleri and X. variatus (Sunset Platy). The best places to find true wild-type specimens are specialist livebearer societies.
Two subspecies of this delightful lampeye are now recognized: A. l. luxophthalmus (Lampeye Panchax itself), and A. l. hanncrzi (Hannerz’s Lampeye) from the lower Cross River drainage in Nigeria. To see either fish at its best, close attention must be paid to achieving optimum aquarium conditions.
Of the eight or so species in this genus, Celebes Halfbeak is the most frequently available. Its common name, while being appropriate in that the species is found in Sulawesi (Celebes), would seem better suited to N. celebensis—also from Sulawesi—which is normally referred to as Northern Harlequin Halfbeak. Two subspecies of N. liemi are recognized: N. l. liemi (known as both Celebes Halfbeak and Southern Harlequin Halfbeak) and N. l. snijdersi (Snijder’s Halfbeak).
The six Hemirhamphodon species—including H. pogonognathus, the aptly named Long-snout Halfbeak—are all found in freshwater from the southern part of the Malay Peninsula south to Sumatra and east to Borneo. They can easily be distinguished from the Dermogenys halfbeaks by the presence of teeth in their lower jaw and by the positioning of the dorsal fin, the base of which lies in front of the anal fin.Other common names: Long-nosed Halfbeak, Thread-jawed Halfbeak
Of the 1 5 or so species in the genus Dermogenys, D. pusillus is the only one encountered with any regularity Two subspecies are generally recognized: D. p. borealis with bright yellow and/or red coloration on the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, and D. p. pusillus, whose coloration is mainly restricted to the dorsal fin. A golden variant of D. p. borealis is occasionally available.
Zoogoneticus tequila is commonly known as the Crescent Goodeid because of the crescent-shaped band of orange exhibited on the tail of the males. Since its discovery and classification in the 1990s, this species has become extinct in the wild, but conservation work is being undertaken to preserve these fish.
Mature males possess an impressive hump behind the head and a very deep body. The two dominant colors in mature males are blue — particularly on the posterior half of the body—and an orange or reddish caudal peduncular area. Several forms of the species are known: one with a great deal of blue in the body (Nayarit), a blotched one (San Marco), and one with some body spots (Spotted). Of these, the San Marco type is the only one found in the wild—around San Marco in Jalisco, Mexico.
This robust species is similar in overall appearance to Ameca splendens (Ameca). Males in peak condition are richly adorned with greenish-blue reflective scales on a dark background. In the wild the Green Goodeid is on the brink of extinction, although three geographical variants are known: captivus, erro, and exsul.
There is considerable difference of opinion regarding the identity of the four Ilyodon “species.” Some authors believe them to be valid species in their own right, while others consider them all to be subspecies of I. furcidens. Generally speaking, I. furcidens and I. xantusi (Xantus’ Ilyodon) are believed to be very similar to each other—possibly variants of the single species, I. furcidens. Similarly, I. lennoni (Lennon’s Ilyodon) and I. whitei could be variants of I. whitei (White’s Ilyodon). All have similar behavior characteristics and aquarium requirements.
At least four subspecies of this substantial species are known: G. a. atripinnis and C a. martini (Martin’s Black-finned Goodeid) from Rio de Morelia and Lago de Cuitzeo (Michoacan), G a. luitpoldi (Luitpold’s Goodeid) from Lago de Patzcuaro (Michoacan), and G a. xaliscone from Laguna Chapala (Jalisco). They differ slightly in coloration and small details but have similar characteristics and requirements.