Approx Max Length : 5cm

Redtail Splitfin Goodeid - Xenotoca doadrioi Fish Profile & Care Guide

The Redtail Splitfin Goodeid (Xenotoca doadrioi) is a captivating freshwater species native to Mexico. Their distinguishing features and colourations make them a sought-after choice for aquarium enthusiasts. These fish are suitable for both beginner and advanced aquarists alike; however, it's pivotal to note their critically endangered status. The Redtail Splitfin Goodeid occasionally showcases aggressive tendencies. To mitigate such behaviours, certain best practices are recommended. Foremost among these is maintaining a balanced population, ideally with a 2:3 female-to-male ratio, within an appropriately sized environment. A group of at least 8 to 10 individuals is ideal.

When introducing tankmates, it's prudent to select agile, short-finned swimmers, as they're less likely to be targeted by the Goodeids.
In smaller enclosures, spatial constraints can intensify interactions. If a diverse community is desired, providing adequate space becomes paramount. For those limited to compact aquariums, a species-centric approach is advisable. Designing the habitat with ample rocks and flora will create vital visual barriers and refuge points. An alpha male often establishes dominance, leading to occasional skirmishes but rarely causing serious harm. A dark substrate enhances the fish's natural colour display.

Their propensity to feed on algae makes Goodeids ideal for controlling unwanted growth. When selecting flora, hardy or rapidly growing varieties are optimal. High illumination levels don't pose issues, thanks to their natural algae-regulation capability. Consistent water quality, marked by cleanliness and high oxygenation, is non-negotiable. A moderate water flow ensures their well-being. Given their considerable waste production and sensitivity to water quality fluctuations, robust filtration systems and weekly partial water changes are essential. Softwater environments are not conducive for them.

Aesthetically, Redtail Splitfin Goodeids are distinctive. Females bear dark body blotches, while males stand out with their vibrant patterns. Apart from the characteristic reddish-orange tail fin, males exhibit iridescent blue scales, pronounced black vertical bands, and a distinct yellow or grey "saddle" anterior to the dorsal fin. These patterns evolve with age, growing more intricate as the fish matures.

Availability

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Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Distinguishing between male and female Redtail Splitfin Goodeids is straightforward. Females tend to be larger and exhibit a more subdued colouration, whereas males display a more vibrant hue, possess a more compact profile, and have a notched anal fin.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Xenotoca doadrioi
Year Described	2016
Other Names	San Marcos Goodeid, San Marcos Redtail Splitfin, Redtail Goodeid
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Cyprinodontiformes
Family	Goodeidae
Genus	Xenotoca
Origins	Mexico
Approx Max Size	5 cm
Temperament	Semi-Aggressive
Aquarium Level	All Levels
Difficulty	Beginner - Intermediate
Shoaling	Yes
Best kept as	2 Females per Male
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Livebearer
Average Lifespan	Up to 3 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	6.5 - 8.0
GH	5 - 20
TDS	179 - 357

Ideal Temperature Range
℉	59 - 86
℃	12 - 25

Natural Habitat

The Redtail Splitfin Goodeid inhabits the endorheic basins of the Etzatlan region near San Marcos in Jalisco, specifically in isolated water systems disconnected from oceanic inflows, culminating in lakes or marshlands. The benchmark habitat for this species is a modest, perennial pond. Notably, this species demonstrates adaptability across a spectrum of environments, from crystal-clear to opaque waters and from minimally vegetated areas to locales densely populated with aquatic flora.

It's worth mentioning that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes the Redtail Splitfin Goodeid as critically endangered. Tragically, over half of the populations historically recorded have been extirpated, and the remaining populations continue to demonstrate a disconcerting decline.

Breeding

Breeding Redtail Splitfin Goodeids can be accomplished with relative ease. It is recommended to foster them within a species-specific aquarium, either through pairing or as a collective group. An abundance of aquatic plants is crucial for the breeding environment. Distinctively, the reproductive processes of Goodeids diverge from traditional livebearers. Unlike many of their counterparts, female Goodeids don't retain sperm, necessitating distinct mating for every subsequent brood. Moreover, the absence of a gravid spot is a characteristic trait.

The gestation period spans approximately 7 to 8 weeks, culminating in the birth of 5 to 50 sizable offspring. It is not unusual for the fry to exhibit a residual, umbilical-like attachment, which naturally dissipates within a few days. Remarkably, the newborns are prepared to consume the same dietary regimen as their mature counterparts immediately post-birth. Exhibiting a confident demeanour, they actively compete for nourishment, even alongside other tank inhabitants. Notably, the parent fish display minimal predatory tendencies towards their fry.

Diet & Feeding

The dietary preferences of Redtail Splitfin Goodeids are varied and omnivorous in nature. In their natural habitats, they forage on a combination of small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. To replicate this balanced diet in captivity, it's recommended to provide them with a mix of high-quality flake food, spirulina, and live or frozen offerings such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Periodic inclusion of vegetable-based foods, like blanched spinach or zucchini, can further ensure optimal nutrition. Regularly diversifying their meals not only caters to their health but also mirrors their foraging behaviour in the wild, promoting naturalistic behaviours and overall well-being.