Care
Ameca splendens is a beautiful livebearer with a glittering metallic appearance. This active species does, however, have something of a reputation for being a little nippy, but there are several ways in which this can be controlled. Firstly, a large sized group of these fish (with 2-3 females to every male) will help them to focus attentions on themselves. A shoal of at least 8-10 fish is preferable in a good sized tank. Secondly, when considering tankmates, choose only other fast-swimming, short-finned fish. Anything that has fancy fins and is of a slow-moving nature will be targeted. Smaller aquaria inevitably force the fish closer together, so if planning on keeping a mixed species tank, ensure ample room; if a larger tank is out of the question, then a species-only tank is the way to go. The provision of plenty of rocks and vegetation will also help to create visual barriers which fish can retreat amongst if they feel threatened. An Alpha male usually arises from the group, and he may be a little quarrelsome with the other males at times, but if the above guidelines are followed, no real harm should ensue. Ameca splendens is well known for its avid algae-eating ability (even eating Cyanobacteria a.k.a. "blue green algae"), so inevitably some soft-leaved plants may also be seen as food. Choose robust or fast-growing species to help maintain a well-planted appearance. Strong lighting is not an issue, as algae growth will not become a problem in the aquarium containing a group of Ameca splendens! At all times, the water must be kept clean and with high levels of oxygenation. Partial water changes should be carried out at least once a week. Softwater conditions will not be tolerated. Fish that are small, slow-moving, or fancy-finned are not recommended as tankmates.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia and brineshrimp, plus inclusion of a vegetable component such as green flake, lettuce, spinach and kale. Duckweed is consumed with much enthusiasm!
Breeding
These fish will reproduce in any well-kept aquarium, and this is usually initiated by the females, who will quiver in front of the males. The male fertilises the female by the use of his andropodium and after 55 days, the females can be expected to release up to 30 surprisingly sizeable live young. The adults are not usually a threat to the young, which can be as large as 20mm TL when born. Not surprisingly, the total number and size of fry will depend on the size of the adult female, and she will appear quite hollow bellied after giving birth. Attached underneath each fry will be their Trophotaenia (similar to an umbilical cord) and these will disappear within 48-72 hours. The young fish will become sexually mature after 3 months.
