A robust and highly active splitfin livebearer native to the Ameca River basin in Mexico, where it is considered critically endangered or extinct in the wild. They are notorious fin-nippers and can be very boisterous, making them unsuitable for peaceful community tanks. They thrive in hard, alkaline water and require a strong vegetable component (like algae) in their diet.
Butterfly Goodeid At a Glance
Butterfly Goodeid Tank Requirements
Will Butterfly Goodeid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Butterfly Goodeid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Butterfly Goodeid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Butterfly Goodeid Water Parameters
Butterfly Goodeid Temperament & Compatibility
Butterfly Goodeid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Juvenile / Unsexed
Young specimens sold before sexual dimorphism is fully apparent. They grow rapidly and will soon establish a pecking order.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Ameca, Standard
Male
Males are smaller than females but feature stunning metallic scales and a distinct black-and-yellow band on the caudal (tail) fin. They possess an andropodium for breeding. Highly active and territorial towards each other.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Butterfly Goodeid, Yellow Tail
Female
Larger and stockier than males. They lack the yellow tail band and exhibit a mottled olive/silver coloration. It is highly recommended to keep a ratio of 2 or 3 females per male to disperse harassment.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Ameca, Mottled
Butterfly Goodeid Care Guide Summary
The Butterfly Goodeid, scientifically known as Ameca splendens, belongs to the Livebearers family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Butterfly Goodeid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Butterfly Goodeid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Juvenile / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Butterfly Goodeid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Butterfly Goodeid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source and light plant coverage for partial shade. Keepers should note that live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Butterfly Goodeid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Butterfly Goodeid is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Butterfly Goodeid Is Actually For
Butterfly Goodeid is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 5. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is buying Butterfly Goodeid for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Butterfly Goodeid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Butterfly Goodeid.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Goodeid
How big does Butterfly Goodeid get?
Butterfly Goodeid (Ameca splendens) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Butterfly Goodeid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Butterfly Goodeid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Butterfly Goodeid need?
Butterfly Goodeid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Butterfly Goodeid peaceful or aggressive?
Butterfly Goodeid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Butterfly Goodeid live alone?
No, Butterfly Goodeid should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Butterfly Goodeid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Butterfly Goodeid benefits from established algae (otocinclus) and plants - lighly covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Butterfly Goodeid
These plants pair well with Butterfly Goodeid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Bonsai Rotala
Rotala indica
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Fish Similar to Butterfly Goodeid
Redtail Splitfin
Xenotoca eiseni
A robust and highly active livebearer endemic to Mexico (Goodeidae family). Unlike standard livebearers, females nourish their young via umbilical-like structures (trophotaenia) rather than yolks. They are infamous in the hobby as aggressive fin-nippers and should absolutely not be kept with slow-moving or long-finned fish (like Bettas, Angelfish, or Corydoras). They require hard, alkaline water and cooler temperatures.
Tequila Splitfin
Zoogoneticus tequila
The Tequila Splitfin is a critically endangered Goodeid livebearer endemic to a single spring system in Mexico. Famous for being saved from extinction by the aquarium hobby and successfully reintroduced to the wild. They are active, robust fish that require cooler water and alkaline conditions. They can be slightly nippy and are best kept in a species tank or with fast-moving, similarly sized tank mates.
Grime Rainbowfish
Glossolepis dorityi
A rare and highly active schooling fish native to the Grime River system in New Guinea, currently listed as Critically Endangered in the wild. Widely known in the hobby as Dority's Rainbowfish, they are prized for the male's unique zigzag lateral striping. They are peaceful community fish that require spacious, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of open swimming room.
Sentani Rainbowfish
Chilatherina sentaniensis
A critically endangered and highly active shoaling fish endemic to Lake Sentani in Papua, Indonesia. Known for their energetic, almost chaotic swimming patterns and ravenous feeding habits. While rarely seen in the general trade, they are highly prized; males develop spectacular blood-red to pinkish hues and arched backs as they mature. Requires a large aquarium with significant open swimming space and clean, oxygen-rich water.
Northern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
A beautiful and highly active livebearer endemic to the fast-flowing mountain streams of the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico. Known affectionately in the hobby as 'Nezzies', they prefer slightly cooler, highly oxygenated water with moderate to high flow compared to standard tropicals. As livebearers, they are prolific breeders. They are strong swimmers and known jumpers, requiring a secure lid.
Sepik Rainbowfish
Glossolepis multisquamata
The Sepik Rainbowfish, also known as the Rosy Rainbowfish, is a vibrant schooling fish native to the floodplains, swampy lagoons, and slow-moving rivers of New Guinea. They are highly active swimmers that display stunning metallic and red coloration. They thrive in densely planted aquariums with ample open swimming space and require a group to feel secure and display their best colors.