#ameca splenden

[horsesarecreatures]

X. helleri Rio Otapa & Ameca Splenden

Both wild-type livebearers

[horsesarecreatures]

An Ameca Splenden with a tail deformity that I put in with my discus a while back. It isn't severe enough to majorly hinder the fish but at the same time I didn't want him with the main colony in case it is a genetic thing. Deformed tails are common with ameca splendens; I'm not sure if it is related to inbreeding since they are an endangered species or a birth defect since they give birth to large, fully formed dry with umbilical cords. Anyway, I separated him just in case and it is interesting to see him thrive with the discus. It was always my impression that they preferred cooler temperatures since I keep my breeding colony without a heater but this guy is also in breeding condition at 84 degrees. Also he holds his own with the discus just fine and doesn't get bullied away from food. They really are a very tolerant species and would surely be saved from extinction if they became more popular in the hobby like white cloud mountain minnows did when they went extinct in the wild.

Another weird but good thing is that the deformity has become less severe since I put him in there. The tail used to turn up at a much larger angle.

[just-some-more-pets]

Here's Alduin being a piggy! He needs a bigger tank but I cant get it untill the snow clears..