Ameca splendens
Ameca splendens
(Butterfly Splitfin)
Fishes
Exotic
Collection Info
Point Map
Species Profile
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Jeff Rapps, Tangled Up in Cichlids © Copyright Info
Ameca splendens Miller and Fitzsimons, 1971
Common name: Butterfly Splitfin
Synonyms and Other Names: butterfly goodeid
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Miller and Fitzsimons (1971); Sanford (1995) - photo.
Size: 10 cm.
Native Range: This species is confined to a very small area, the Río Ameca basin, on the Pacific Slope of western Mexico (Miller and Fitzsimons 1971).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Ameca splendens are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
NV198119831Lake Mead

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Probably an aquarium release.
Status: Reported from Nevada. Records are more than 25 years old and the current status is not known to us.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: This species is raised commercially for the aquarium industry in Florida (Robins et al. 1991b).

Voucher material from Nevada was deposited with Florida Atlantic University, but subsequently lost.
References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W., Jr. - Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and J. E. Deacon. 1983. Fish introductions in the American southwest: a case history of Rogers Spring, Nevada. Southwestern Naturalist 28:221-224.

Deacon, J. E., and J. E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the fishes of Nevada. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 97(1):103-118.

Miller, R. R., and J. M. Fitzsimons. 1971. Ameca splendens, a new genus and species of Goodeid fish from western Mexico, with remarks on the classification of the Goodeidae. Copeia 1971(1):1-13.

Robins, C. R., R. M. Bailey, C. E. Bond, J. R. Brooker, E. A. Lachner, R. N. Lea, and W. B. Scott. 1991b. World fishes important to North Americans exclusive of species from the continental waters of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 21. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 243 pp.

FishBase Summary
Author: Fuller, P.
Revision Date: 3/31/2020
Peer Review Date: 4/15/2009

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2025, Ameca splendens Miller and Fitzsimons, 1971: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=718, Revision Date: 3/31/2020, Peer Review Date: 4/15/2009, Access Date: 3/29/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/29/2025].

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For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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