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.

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
Temperature: 68–81°F (20–27°C)
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: temperature 20–27 °C, 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

As an omnivore, Jeweled Splitfin should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

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 suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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.

African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°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) Archer Halfbeak Nomorhamphus sagittarius Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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.

What temperature is suitable for Jeweled Splitfin?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.