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.
Tequila Splitfin At a Glance
Tequila Splitfin Tank Requirements
Will Tequila Splitfin fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Tequila Splitfin needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Tequila Splitfin against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Tequila Splitfin Water Parameters
Tequila Splitfin Temperament & Compatibility
Tequila Splitfin Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Smaller than females, featuring a darker mottled body and a striking bright orange/golden crescent band on the edge of the tail. Males possess an andropodium (notched anal fin) and can be pugnacious and territorial toward one another.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Tequila Male, Standard Male
Female
Larger and much more heavily bodied than males, exhibiting a mottled olive-brown pattern without the bright colored tail margin. They are generally more peaceful but are highly efficient fry predators. Best kept in a higher ratio to males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Tequila Female
Tequila Splitfin Care Guide Summary
The Tequila Splitfin, scientifically known as Zoogoneticus tequila, belongs to the Livebearers family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Tequila Splitfin requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 24°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Tequila Splitfin is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: 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.
Tequila Splitfin Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Tequila Splitfin, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Tequila Splitfin Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Tequila Splitfin 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 and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Tequila Splitfin Is Actually For
Tequila Splitfin 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 4. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Tequila Splitfin 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.
Tequila Splitfin Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Tequila Splitfin.
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 Tequila Splitfin
How big does Tequila Splitfin get?
Tequila Splitfin (Zoogoneticus tequila) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Tequila Splitfin need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Tequila Splitfin. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Tequila Splitfin need?
Tequila Splitfin thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–24°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Tequila Splitfin peaceful or aggressive?
Tequila Splitfin is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Tequila Splitfin live alone?
No, Tequila Splitfin should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Tequila Splitfin have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Tequila Splitfin benefits from plants - densely 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Tequila Splitfin
These plants pair well with Tequila Splitfin based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Tequila Splitfin
Butterfly Goodeid
Ameca splendens
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.
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.
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.
Humpbacked Limia
Limia nigrofasciata
An active, hardy livebearer endemic to Lake Miragoane in Haiti. They are renowned for their striking sexual dimorphism and enthusiastic grazing on algae. Being from a specific rift-style lake, they strongly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and prevent disease.
Dusky Millions Fish
Phalloceros caudimaculatus
A highly adaptable, sub-tropical livebearer native to South America. Known for its hardiness, it thrives in unheated aquariums and can tolerate mildly brackish water. Unlike many common livebearers, they are voracious algae grazers and may damage soft-leaved plants. Males relentlessly pursue females to mate, so keeping a ratio of at least 2-3 females per male is strongly advised.
Mosquitofish (Gambusia)
Gambusia affinis
An extremely hardy livebearer historically introduced worldwide for mosquito control. In the aquarium, they are notorious fin-nippers and highly aggressive towards other small fish. They are best kept in species-only setups or indoor/outdoor ponds. Males are significantly smaller than females.