Rainbow Goodeid

The rainbow goodeid is a stocky 4–5 cm goodeid endemic to a few spring-fed pools in the Mexican state of Durango. In males the belly and fins are red-orange and the fin edges black; a row of dark blotches runs along the sides. Females are plainer and olive. It is endangered in the wild due to water extraction and invasive species in its habitat; hobby stocks are valuable for conservation, and different spring populations should not be mixed.

• 60 liters or more for a small group.
• 18–23°C is ideal; warm water shortens its lifespan. pH 7–8, moderately hard to hard water.
• Dense plants, stones and roots; visual barriers for the males.
• 25–30% water change weekly.

Omnivorous and fond of plant matter. Spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms.

Males are territorial and quarrelsome among themselves; they also chase the females persistently. It is usually calm toward other species but may nip long fins. It is best kept in a species tank or with calm species suited to cool water.

Good companions: small, fast fish suited to cool water, white cloud mountain minnows, Ancistrus plecos, snails.

Avoid: long-finned species, crowded setups with other goodeids, tropical fish that need warm water.