MEEK, 1902 Subgenus Neoophorus HUBBS & TURNER, 1937
Zoogoneticus diazi MEEK, 1902
Zoogoneticus miniatus MEEK, 1902
Neoophorus diazi TURNER, 1937
Neoophorus diazi catarinae DE BUEN, 1942
Neoophorus diazi diazi DE BUEN, 1942
Neoophorus catarinae ALVAREZ, 1959
Neoophorus meeki ALVAREZ, 1959
Neoophorus diazi meeki RADDA, 1984
Allotoca catarinae SMITH & MILLER, 1987
Allotoca diazi SMITH & MILLER, 1987
Allotoca meeki SMITH & MILLER, 1987 English name:
Bug Eyed Allotoca Family:
Goodeidae JORDAN, 1923. Subfamily:
Goodeinae JORDAN, 1923. Original description:
MEEK, S. E. (1902): A Contribution to the Ichthyology of Mexico.
Field Col. Mus. Publ., 65 (Zool.) 3 (6), pp. 63 - 128. Derivation of the species name:
named diazi after the former Mexican president Porfirio Diaz Type locality:
Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Meristic properties:
Dorsal fin = 15 - 16 rays;
Caudal fin= 36 - 38 rays;
Anal fin = 12 - 13 rays;
Pectoral fin = 14 rays;
Ventral fin = 6 rays; Keeping Allotoca diazi is not entirely easy, due to the aggressiveness of this species. A tank of at least 100 litres (rather more) per pair is necessary. There should also be plenty of hiding places in the form of luxurious plantings, stone constructions and roots. The water should be hard with a pH value of at least 7. The temperature should be between 16 °C and 22 °C. When kept at constantly high temperatures, the species is prone to tuberculosis. Although the species lives mainly on live food in its natural habitat, in captivity the feeding of Allotoca diazi is no problem. Flakes, frozen and live-food of any kind (even earth- and meal worms) are accepted, and the diet should include vegetables to some extent. Scalded spinach is a good addition to the diet. Also algae should not be removed from the tank since it is an additional food source for the fish. The breeding of Allotoca seems to be more difficult than is the case with other genera of Goodeids. One brood consists of up to 50 fry, with a size of 11 to 16 mm. Raising the fry does not cause problems. Since the parents chase after their fry, it is important to separate the mother before delivering in an extra tank. In its natural habitat, Allotoca diazi appears side by side with Allotoca dugesii. Yet, hybridization of the two species has not been detected. Genetic barriers and different mating behaviour prevent the hybridisation. In their habitat, Allotoca diazi as well as Allotoca dugesii can be found in small numbers only. So these are anything but numerous occurring fish. It is striking that Allotoca diazi (just as Allotoca dugesii) in its habitat is notoriously infected with skin-parasites, which have a tendency to settle in the dorsal and anal fins. Allotoca diazi and Allotoca meeki (Text by JAN DE MOREE, Netherlands, 2001) I have not been able to discover differences between these species, yet. Allotoca diazi and Allotoca meeki are both fairly robust fish having a length of about 10 cm (referring to the description they should be even bigger). We have not found larger specimens in their natural habitat nor in aquariums. The biggest animals we have seen are at the University of Morelia, which is the case with other species, too. We have discovered Allotoca diazi in the vicinity of Rancho El Molino in a small brook, Allotoca meeki was found in lake Opopeo. It is important to mention that these are small and vulnerable biotopes that can literally disappear overnight. The pigmentation of the fish is a brownish grey with many thin dark stria. When illuminated by the side, the fish display a metallic glitter. They are fast eaters. Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: H.J. Mayland.
Habitat: Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, wild form, male, 10 cm. Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Puerzl
Habitat: Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, wild form, female, 10 cm. | 
