Xenotoca

Xenotoca
Redtail splitfin, X. eiseni
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cyprinodontiformes
Family:	Goodeidae
Genus:	Xenotoca C. L. Hubbs & C. L. Turner, 1939

Xenotoca is a genus of fish within the goodeid family, Goodeidae. They belong to the subfamily Goodeinae. Like all members of this subfamily, they are livebearers. However, the goodeid method of mating is somewhat different from more common livebearers, such as guppies and swordtails. Rather than a gonopodium, goodeid males transmit sperm to the females using an andropodium, a notched anal fin which gives the fish the common name "splitfin".

All members of the genus Xenotoca live in the highlands of Mexico. While no goodeid is a very common aquarium fish, the Redtail Splitfin (X. eiseni), is one of the most common aquarium goodeids. Its bright colors - blue body and red tail - offset its reputation for nipping the fins of its tankmates.

Species

There are currently three recognized species in this genus: ^[1]

• Xenotoca eiseni (Rutter, 1896) (Redtail Splitfin, Redtail Goodeid)
• Xenotoca melanosoma Fitzsimons, 1972 (Black Splitfin)
• Xenotoca variata (T. H. Bean, 1887) (Jeweled Splitfin)

References