Zoogoneticus tequila
Zoogoneticus tequila, synonym: Tequila splitfin, in the Rio Ameca Basin, Mexico, Central America. The fish stay on open shoals, with mostly muddy substrate and few stones on the bottom.
The fish got their name "Tequila" after the Tequila volcano, located north of their natural habitat. These fish were previously thought to be extinct, but in the early 2000s they were rediscovered in the Teuchitlan River basin, Mexico. Zoogoneticus tequila is on the endangered species list because there is only one tiny population in the wild. Habitat degradation (construction of a dam) and intensive fishing for the aquarium trade have led to this state of affairs.
Adult males of Zoogoneticus tequila have dark olive body coloration with a mottled greenish pattern. The body coloration is pale below the lateral line and becomes yellowish. Usually at the base of the caudal fin there is a pair of spots, which often merge into one spot. Patterns on the fish's body during the spawning period are barely visible, as its body becomes almost black. The dorsal and anal fins have cream-colored stripes around the edges, and the tail plumage is decorated with an orange-red crescent-shaped band. Females have 2-4 large spots on the ventral half of the caudal stem, which fade as the fish ages. They also lack the cream trim on the dorsal and anal fins, and the tail plumage often has a subterminal stripe that is less contrasting than that of the males. Males measure about 3 cm and females about 5 cm.
Zoogoneticus tequila are quite aggressive towards each other. It is recommended to keep the fish in a species aquarium. The dominant male often shows aggression towards females, and they in turn behave aggressively in relation to smaller fish. During the spawning season, females react hostile to any approach of the male.
To keep fish suitable aquarium of 60 liters. In such an aquarium can contain 1 male and 2-3 females. As the substrate used sand or a mixture of sand and fine gravel. At the bottom are placed stones and snags. The perimeter of the aquarium is densely planted.
Water parameters: temperature 20-24° C, hardness dH 10-25°, acidity pH 6,5-7,5. Necessary filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh.
The menu of fish in nature consists of small invertebrates and insect larvae. Under aquarium conditions, the fish will eat almost any kind of food. They are fed live, frozen, and flake food. Also include in the diet of fish and a variety of pre-chopped, vegetables. The food is given twice a day.
Reproduction
Zoogoneticus tequila - fish viviparous and its breeding in aquarium conditions is not very difficult. Zoogoneticus tequila reaches sexual maturity at the age of 4-5 months.
Spawning is stimulated by increasing the temperature of the water to 26-28° C. Males do not have gonopodia, as in other viviparous, but they use the first few spines of the anal fin to transfer sperm to the female.
Pregnancy of the female lasts for 6-8 weeks. Depending on the age of the female and her physiological condition, she hatches between 10 and 30 fry. Immediately after spawning female fry should be transferred to another aquarium, otherwise the adult fish can eat them.
The fry are fed artemia and mashed dry food at least 4 times a day.
Zoogoneticus tequila has a lifespan of 3-5 years.
