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Butterfly splitfin (Ameca splendens) — Goodeidae

Butterfly splitfin

Ameca splendens
Family: Goodeidae

The Butterfly splitfin (Ameca splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Goodeidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–2.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The butterfly splitfin is a livebearing goodeid (Goodeidae) from fresh water of the Ameca drainage in western Mexico. The species grows to about 8 cm; males are grey-green with a yellow band along the tail margin, females plainer. It lives in clear springs and streams and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The female gives birth to live young. Nearly extinct in the wild, the species survives thanks to aquarium and captive populations. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Butterfly splitfin?

The Butterfly splitfin has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Butterfly splitfin live?

The Butterfly splitfin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Butterfly splitfin get?

The Butterfly splitfin grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Butterfly splitfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Butterfly splitfin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vlinder-hooglandkarper sourced
English name
Butterfly splitfin sourced
Scientific name
Ameca splendens
Family
Goodeidae
Other names
Butterfly splitfin; Goodeid verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
2.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Goodeidae

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