The Polkadot Goodeid, Chapalichthys pardalis, reaches a maximum length of 6.5 cm (males) and 7 cm (females). Its natural habitat are the waters of the pacific slope of Mexico, Michoacan province, Tocumbo district. In contrast to many other goodeids this pretty, livebearing species seems not to be endangered in the wild.
In the aquarium, however, it is a top rarity and so we are quite proud to have it in stock currently. Keeping and breeding of the fish is not difficult. However, it is best to keep them under slightly varying temperatures and (in living rooms) without a heater, because in the wild the temperature hardly ever increases 20°C. The fish looks best in tanks with a dense vegetation. Against tankmates at least the strain currently present in the hobby is said to be very peaceful. Sadly the fish grow rather slowly which makes them a bit more expensive. On the other hand: the good news is that the fish become more beautiful with growing age.
For our customers: the fish has code 408403 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Chapalichthys: means “fish from lake Chapala”. Lake Chapala in Mexico is the habitat of one species of Chapalichthys. pardalis: Latin, means “painted like a panther”.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
