5 Very rare Polka Dot Splitfin Goodeid Juvenile. Scientific name - Chapalichthys pardalis
These are thought to be extinct in the wild. Here is your chance to own a group of these amazing Goodeid Livebearers.
FREE DELIVERY
The fry are 2cm-3cm in size.
You will receive 5 Polka Dot Splitfin FRY. Delivery is free using Royal Mail 24 hour Tracked service. Royal Mail can sometimes take 2 days to deliver, therefore, 48 hour heat pack is used during cold weather.
I do not guarantee next day Delivery
🐟 Goodeid Livebearer Care Guide
(Family: Goodeidae)
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 neededAggression:
Especially in males or territorial species — provide hiding spots and avoid crowdingPoor 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.
