Xenotoca eiseni

Alternative names

 * Red Tailed Goodeid,, ,

Sexing

 * Males have a brightly colored tail trimmed in orange and iridescent blue. They also have a split anal fin that contributes to the name 'Splitfin Goodeid'.  Males can be sexed before they color up based on their anal fins.  Females will drop batches or about 10-40 (usually around 25-20) fry regularly.  Fry are larger than the fry of most livebearers and are 'born' with threadlike 'umbilical cords' that will disappear after a few days.  If there is sufficient cover, fry can be kept with adults.

Tank compatibility

 * While X. eiseni have superior mouths, they will take food from the water column as well. They are known fin-nippers, and should be provided an aquarium with lots of plants and other decor.  They can be kept with compatible plecos, and giving them some small, fast livebearers (like feeder guppies or G. affins) to chase may reduce their aggression toward one another and their fry.  These fish can be kept in a colony tank of 100+ liters.

Diet

 * X. eiseni will eat almost anything. Their diet should contain plenty of green matter, as well as protein.  They appreciate the occasional live food treat, although it is not necessary to induce spawning.

Feeding regime

 * How often to feed, etc.

Environment Specifics

 * This fish hails from Mexico. Many Goodeids are endangered or threatened, although the IUCN has no listed data on X. eiseni.  They will accept almost any aquarium conditions and are very hardy.  They are best suited to a species tank (including only dither livebearers and/or small plecos).

Behaviour

 * They are somewhat aggressive, but otherwise social. They engage in some displaying behaviors, but no parental care.

Identification

 * X. eiseni have a characteristic body shape and coloration that allows for easy identification. Males have a hunched back when compared with females.  Mature adults range from 6 to 7 centimeters.