[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Livebeavers – Orange-tailed Goodeid (Xenotoca eiseni)

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.

Other common name

• Red-tailed Goodeid

Family

• Goodeidae

Subfamily

• Goodeinae

Distribution

• Nayarit and Jalisco (Mexico).

Size

• Males around 2 1/2in (6cm); females around 2 3/4in (7cm).

Behavior

• Shoaling; displays fin-nipping tendencies.

Diet

• All foods accepted; a vegetable component is important.

Aquarium

• Spacious, well- planted tank with some floating vegetation and some open swimming spaces. Alkaline, medium-hard water is preferred. Temperature range: 64-84°F (18-29°C) tolerated, but 72-77°F (22-25°C) advisable in the long term.

Breeding

• Around 30 fry are produced every 7-8 weeks.