Ameca splendens

This species is not particularly aggressive. Males can sometimes rival each other and become territorial but otherwise are relatively peaceful. Ameca splendens, as well as other members of the Goodeidae family, has an interesting peculiarity. During aggressive interactions, the eyes of the fish, males and females, change color. The iris of the eye then shows a vertical black line passing through the pupil. The individual who "loses" the fight has completely black eyes (iris and pupil), and the same is true when the two individuals are evenly matched. Completely black eyes are an indication that the fish is giving up the idea of fighting. It is preferable to transport this species by putting only one individual per bag. Indeed, these fish tend to become agitated and can injure themselves if they are in a group in the same bag, especially since the transport takes a long time.

This fish has a massive and robust appearance. The male measures 6 to 8 cm and the female, between 7 and 12 cm. The male's fins are larger than the female's. It is more massive and its caudal fin is also longer than in the female. The male's caudal fin is divided into 3 crescents of distinct color. The outer crescent is bright yellow-orange, the center one is black and the base of the tail is cream-colored. The anal, pectoral and pelvic fins are also yellow-orange. The dorsal fin is gray and may have more or less wide margins of yellow color. The male's body has brilliant scales that reflect shades of turquoise blue. The head and abdomen are golden yellow. The back is rather olive brown. The female is yellow-green throughout the body and has only a few scales with turquoise blue reflections on the flanks.

The species Ameca splendens was described in 1971 by Miller and Fitzsimons. This species was found in the Ameca River and its tributary the Teuchitlán River in Mexico. These rivers are located in the western part of the country and flow into the Pacific Ocean. The Ameca River flows near the city of Puerto Vallarta. They were rivers with clear water, rocky bottoms and lots of vegetation. Ameca splendens likes rather warm water, between 26 and 32°C. On the other hand, in an aquarium, it is satisfied with water ranging from 18 to 25°C.

The intestine of Ameca splendens is very long, measuring four and a half times the total length of the fish. These fish have practically no stomach. These characteristics indicate that they are herbivorous. However, they accept animal food very well.