BEAN, 1888 Characodon bilineatus BEAN, 1888
Skiffia bilineata MEEK, 1902
Goodea bilineata REGAN, 1907
Neotoca bilineata HUBBS & TURNER, 1937 English name:
Elfin Goodea Family:
Goodeidae JORDAN, 1923. Subfamily:
Goodeinae JORDAN, 1923. Original description:
BEAN, T. H. (1887): Descriptions of five new species of fishes sent by Prof. A. Dugès from the province of Guanajuato, Mexico. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 10: pp. 370-375. Origin of the species name:
The name bilineata (lat.) refers to the two vertical lines on the body of the females. Type locality:
Not known. Meristic properties:
Dorsal fin = 13 - 16 rays;
Anal fin = 16 rays.
In their natural environment these Goodeids are found only in rivers with slow currents, in ponds and close to lakesides. These biotopes are murky and covered with lots of algae. The culture of this species is easy Aquariums of 50 liters or larger decorated with plants, stone constructions and roots should be used. Being a shoal-fish, Skiffia bilineata should always be kept in groups of at least 10 fish. It is possible to keep this species in a community tank. The males of this species perform ranking fights without injuring themselves. Once a ranking order is established, it remains stable for a long time. The highest-ranking male can be recognized by its very intense colour. Water parameters are not of vital importance; nonetheless, the water should be hard with a pH value between 7 and 9. The water temperature should be kept between 21 °C and 24 °C. Skiffia bilineata will cope with temperatures down to 15 °C for some time. If these fish are kept too warm (26 - 28 °C) they will be prone to disease and might fall ill with fish tuberculosis. Fluctuating day and night temperatures (and especially temperatures with seasonal fluctuations) are good for Skiffia bilineata and promote long lasting vitality. Regular water change should be carried out. The food demands of Skiffia bilineata are modest and they will accept flakes, frozen and live food of all kinds. A vegetable portion should be included in the diet and this can be scalded spinach. Any algae should be left in the aquarium as an additional source of food. Breeding succeeds without much assistance. One spawn consists of about 10 fry which can be 8-15 mm long. This large size means raising the fry is relatively easy. The older fish do not chase their young in well-planted aquariums.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Puerzl.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, male, 3.5 cm.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Puerzl.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, female, 7 cm  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: J. C. Merino.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, male, 3.5 cm.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: J. C. Merino.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, female, 7 cm.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: O. Boehm.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, male, 3.5 cm.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Schraml.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, male, 3.5 cm.  |
Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Schraml.
Habitat: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico,
bred in captivity, female, 7 cm. |
