Striped Goodeid

Xenotoca variata

Striped Goodeid (Xenotoca variata) — Intermediate care, Semi-aggressive, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 24 US gal min; aim for 64–75°F and pH 7–8.5. Details below match the app.

Striped Goodeid (Xenotoca variata) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
Min tank size24 US gal min
pH range7–8.5
Temperature64–75°F
Max size2.4 in (6.0 cm)
Captive lifespan3–6 years
SchoolingYes · 5+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

North America (Mexico)

  • Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Striped Goodeid Tank Setup

Plan for at least 24 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 64–75°F and pH 7–8.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Striped Goodeids Eat?

We record diet as Omnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Striped Goodeid Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Semi-aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Can be nippy; hardy species Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Striped Goodeids Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. If this would be your very first tank, start with something more forgiving and come back to this one.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.