KINGSTON, 1978 English name:
Golden Sawfin Goodea Family:
Goodeidae JORDAN, 1923. Subfamily:
Goodeinae JORDAN, 1923. Original description:
KINGSTON, D. I. (1978): Skiffia francesae, a New Species of Goodeid Fish from Western Mexico. Copeia, (3): pp. 503 - 508. Origin of the species name:
the name francesae refers to Mrs. Frances H. MILLER, USA. Type locality:
Rio Teuchitlan, near the town of Teuchitlan, Jalisco, Mexico. Meristic properties:
Dorsal fin = 15 - 17 rays;
Anal fin = 14 - 15 rays;
Pectoral fin = 12 - 15 rays. In its natural environment Skiffia francesae is considered to be threatened, or to be extinct. Fortunately, aquarium populations have been maintained in different countries, so that this species has not been lost yet. The culture of this species is not difficult. Aquariums of 80 liters or larger and at least 2 liters of water per fish should be used. There are no special demands concerning the water-parameters. Hard water with a pH value of approximately 7 to 9 is best for these fish. The water temperature should fluctuate between 22 °C and 26 °C. Fluctuating day and night temperatures (and also changes in the seasonal rhythm) are beneficial for Skiffia francesae and support a lasting vitality. Regular water changes should be carried out. Being a shoal fish Skiffia francesae should be kept in larger groups. This has the side effect that breeding in captivity succeeds best this way. The males reach a size of approximately 4.5 cm, the females approximately 5 cm length. Feeding Skiffia francesae is easy, i.e. flakes, frozen and live food of any kind will be accepted. Part of the nourishment should be vegetable based so any alga that exists in the aquarium will be an additional source of food. Breeding is regularly successful. After a pregnancy of approx. 8 weeks approx. 20-30 fry are delivered and these fry can be 8-11 mms long.This size means raising the fry is without trouble. In sufficiently planted tanks the older fish do not chase their young. With Skiffia francesae (and Skiffia multipunctata) the aquarium-hybrid "Black Beauty" has been bred, which is very pretty. This is fertile and so should not be kept together with specimen of either parental parts. Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: E. Puerzl.
Habitat: Rio Teuchitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, wild form, male, 5 cm. Photo by: GHISLAIN LACOURTE | 
