Most males exhibit a beautiful golden-yellow sheen in the lower half of the body (below a dark horizontal body stripe). Females are often mottled and exhibit some blue in the lower half of the body. This is the most commonly seen species in the genus, although A. maculata (Opal Allotoca) from Jalisco, A. catarinae (Green Allotoca) from Michoacan, and A. goslinei (Banded Allotoca) from Jalisco, are also occasionally seen.
Family
- Goodeidae
Subfamily
- Goodeinae
Distribution
- Lerma River basin in Jalisco; several localities in Michoacan and Guanajuato (all Mexico).
Size
- Males up to 2 1/2in (6cm), usually smaller; females slightly larger.
Behavior
- Can become aggressive. Best kept as a pair or as trio of one male and two females. Diet: Live and dry foods accepted; a vegetable component is important.
Aquarium
- Well planted tank with some surface vegetation, subdued lighting, and some rock shelter. Alkaline, medium-hard water is preferred. Temperature range: 64-75°F(18-24°C).
Breeding
- Up to 76 fry reported, but broods generally smaller and produced at around 8-week intervals during breeding season (spring/summer).
