Ameca splendens

Ameca splendens is a species of ovoviviparous of the family of the Goodeidae. This species in aquariophilie more and more is found. The name of the kind “Ameca” refers in the name of the river where the species is confined. The name of the species “splendens” means “shining” and refers to the colors of the male.

Habitat

The species Ameca splendens was described it does not have there so a long time. Indeed, Miller and Fitzsimons made of it a very good description in 1971. This species is found in the Rivière Ameca and of the Rivière Teuchitlán with the Mexico. These rivers are located in the west of the country and will be thrown in the Pacific Ocean. The Rivière Ameca runs very close to the town of Puerto Vallarta. They are rivers with clear water, with a rock bottom and much of vegetation.

Ameca splendens likes rather hot water, between 26 and 32°C. On the other hand, out of aquarium, it is satisfied with a water varying between 18 and 25°C. This fish has a massive and robust appearance. The male measures 6 to 8 cm and the female, between 7 and 12 cm. The fins of the male are larger than those of the female. It is more massive and its caudal fin is as longer as in the female. The caudal fin of the male is divided into 3 crescents of distinct color. The external crescent is yellow-orange shining, that of the center is black and the base of the tail is of color cream-coloured white. The anal fins, pectoral and pelvic are also of color yellow-orange. The dorsal fin is gray and can present more or less broad margins of yellow color. The body of the male present of the brilliant scales which reflect colors of turquoise blue. The head and the abdomen yellow are gilded. The back is rather brown olive. The female is green yellowish on all the body and presents only some scales to the reflections turquoise blue on the sides.

Reproduction

Ameca splendens cannot hybrider with Xenotoca eiseni, Characodon lateralis, Xenotoca variata, Xenophorus captivus, even if these species are also in the family of the Goodeidae. There is thus no danger of hybridization if the Xenotoca eiseni are to keep in the same vat as the Ameca splendens .

The reproduction out of aquarium does not present particular difficulties. Contrary to what is observed at the Poeciliidae, the males Ameca splendens do not have a spermatophores and the females do not store sperm. Each fertilization leads to a alevin range. At Poeciliidae, a fertilization can lead to several consecutive layings. The anal fin of the male presents a small notch. The males of the family of the Goodeidae do not have a gonopodes as in the males of the Poeciliidae. It is what makes the difference between these 2 families.

The interval between each range is larger than at the Poeciliidae. Out of aquarium, the minimum time observed between 2 layings is approximately 54 days. A range is made up on average of 7 alevins, measuring 14 mm each one.

As among other members of the Goodeidae, the females Ameca splendens have one ovary. To the birth, the small ones present between 2 and 5 trophotaeniae. They are structures in form of ribbon located at the base of the anus. The trophotaeniae make it possible the female to exchange nutritive elements with alevins during their stay in the belly of their mother. The trophotaeniae will fall from themselves after 24 or 36 hours.

Food

The intestine of the Ameca splendens is very long, measuring 4 times and half the overall length of fish. These fish practically do not have a stomach. These characteristics indicate that they are herbivorous. They accept very well however the food of animal origin.

Behavior

This species is not particularly aggressive. The males can sometimes compete between them and to become territorial but if not, they are relatively peaceful.

Ameca splendens, as well as other family members of Goodéidae, have an interesting characteristic. During the aggressive interactions, the eyes of the fish, males and females, change color. The iris of the eye then presents a vertical line black which passes through the pupil. The individual who “loses” the combat will present a completely black eye (iris and pupil). If the 2 individuals are equal forces, the eyes of 2 fish will become completely black. The completely black eyes are an indication which the fish gives up the idea to fight.

If Ameca splendens have to be moved during one relatively long period of time, it is advisable to put only one individual by bag. These fish tend to be agitated and can be wounded if they are in group in the same bag.

References:

Ameca splendens, has off new genus and species Goodeid fish from Western Mexico City, with remarks one the classification off the Goodeidae, Miller, R.R., Fitzsimons, J.M., Copeia, 1971 (1) aggressive p. 1-13
Eye-color exchanges during displays in the Goodeid fishes, Kingston, D.I., Copeia, 1980 (1) p. 169-171
Aquarius Atlas, volume 2, Baensch, H.A., Riehl, R., Édition Mergus, 1997
Guppies, Mollies, Platys, has supplements fart owner' S manual, Hieronimus, H., Editions Barron' S, 1991
Livebearing fishes, Scott, P.W., Tetra Editions Near, 1987
Biochemical systematics off the viviparous fish family Goodeidae, Grudzien, T.A., White, M.M., Turner, B.J., Newspaper off Fish Biology, 40, p.801-814, 1992

External bonds

Viviparous Association France

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