Jeweled Splitfin

Xenotoca variata

Jeweled Splitfin is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Jeweled Splitfin?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 5–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: pH 6.5–8, GH 5–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Jeweled Splitfin is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer fibre-rich varied food with animal and vegetable components. Keep water clean, avoid sustained temperatures above 25 °C and provide a winter rest below 20 °C; keep locality strains separate.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Mexico.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Jeweled Splitfin get?

Jeweled Splitfin reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Jeweled Splitfin need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Jeweled Splitfin peaceful?

Yes. Jeweled Splitfin is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.