Goodeid Livebearer Care Guide

Goodeids are a family of endangered livebearing fish native to central Mexico, often found in cool, clear streams. Unlike guppies and mollies, goodeids are true viviparous fish — their fry develop with a placental connection (trophotaenia). They are hardy but need cooler water and slightly different care from common livebearers.

🧬 Species Examples

• Ameca splendens (Butterfly Goodeid)

• Chapalichthys pardalis (Polka Dot Splitfin)

• Xenotoca eiseni (Redtail Splitfin)

• Skiffia multipunctata

• Zoogoneticus tequila (Tequila Splitfin) — critically endangered

• Characodon lateralis

🏠 Tank Setup

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 20 gallons for a small group

  • Ideal: 30+ gallons, especially for territorial species like Xenotoca

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 65–74°F (18–23°C); no heater needed in most homes

  • pH: 7.0–8.2

  • Hardness: Moderate to hard water (10–20 dGH)

  • Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

  • Nitrates: < 40 ppm

• Filtration:
  Use a strong, well-cycled filter. They’re messy eaters.

• Substrate & Décor:

  • Gravel or sand

  • Rounded rocks, driftwood, dense vegetation (e.g., hornwort, Java fern)

  • Open swimming areas with hiding spots for fry

• Lighting:
  Moderate to bright, especially if keeping live plants

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Tank Mates

• Best Kept: In species-only or Goodeid-only tanks

• Compatible With:

  • Peaceful, cool-water fish like White Cloud Mountain Minnows or Hillstream Loaches

  • Avoid tropical community fish — temperature and behavior may clash

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers, aggressive fish, or those needing warmer water

  • Overcrowding — Goodeids can be territorial, especially males

🍽️ Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous with a strong preference for vegetable matter
  Offer a varied diet including:

  • High-quality veggie flakes or spirulina pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

  • Frozen/live foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp) — protein should be limited

• Feeding Schedule:
  1–2 times daily; do not overfeed — they’re prone to bloating and water fouling

👶 Breeding & Sexing

• Livebearers:

  • Unlike guppies, fry develop internally with trophotaenia (like a placenta)

  • Brood size: 5–30 depending on species and age

  • Gestation: 6–8 weeks

• Sexing:

  • Males: Smaller, with a modified anal fin (andropodium, not a gonopodium like guppies)

  • Females: Larger and rounder

• Breeding Tips:

  • Provide dense plants or moss for fry to hide

  • Adults often ignore fry, but separation improves survival

  • Best to maintain a 1:2 male-to-female ratio to reduce stress

🧽 Maintenance

• Weekly Tasks:

  • 30–50% water changes (goodeids are sensitive to nitrate buildup)

  • Vacuum substrate

  • Monitor water parameters carefully

• Monthly Tasks:

  • Rinse filter media in tank water

  • Prune plants, check for aggression

⚠️ Common Issues

• Overheating:
  Goodeids are sensitive to temperatures above 76°F — keep tanks in cooler rooms or use fans if needed

• Aggression:
  Especially in males or territorial species — provide hiding spots and avoid crowding

• Poor water quality:
  These fish need pristine water — regular maintenance is essential

🌿 Conservation Note

Many goodeid species are critically endangered in the wild. Keeping them is not just a hobby — it’s conservation. Always:

• Source from ethical breeders or conservation programs

• Avoid hybridizing species

• Join goodeid conservation groups if you’re serious about breeding

❤️ Final Thoughts

Goodeid livebearers are underrated gems — hardy, curious, and fascinating to watch. While not as colorful as guppies, they offer unique behaviors and an opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts. With cool water, clean tanks, and a veggie-rich diet, they’ll thrive and breed for years.