Tequila Splitfin

About

The Tequila Splitfin (Zoogoneticus tequila) carries one of the more sobering stories in the freshwater hobby. Native to a single river system in the Mexican highlands, wild populations had dwindled to a tiny spring pool just a few meters across by the early 2000s, and that last refuge is believed to have been lost around 2013. This means aquarium-kept fish may genuinely represent the species' survival, and conservation groups including Chester Zoo have been working toward reintroduction efforts. In the tank, it's a compact livebearer, females noticeably broader than males, belonging to the Goodeid family, which means it has a short internal nutrient cord rather than a typical yolk sac to nourish developing young. Broods range from around 5 to 30 fry depending on the female's age and condition, and sexual maturity arrives quickly, so populations can build up faster than you might expect. The main challenge in keeping this species is its nippy, assertive personality. Long-finned fish and anything noticeably smaller will take a beating, so tankmates need to be chosen carefully. Similarly sized Central American cichlids or robust livebearers tend to hold their own. For a beginner willing to be thoughtful about stocking, though, this is a genuinely manageable fish with a remarkable conservation story attached to it.