One of the most endangered families of fishes in the world.

The Goodeidae are a family of fishes distributed between Mexico and the United States. It includes the subfamily Goodeinae, which is endemic to Mexico. The 40 known species of Goodeinae are mostly found along the Mesa Central – a large, arid plateau that runs through much of northern and central Mexico. Many have highly restricted ranges, and are only found in individual rivers or springs.

The group presents reproductive characteristics that are, amongst fishes, unique to livebearing species: internal fertilisation, the ability to transfer nutrients from mother to embryo (known as matrotrophy), and the development of the embryo inside the mother (known as viviparity).

Because of their beauty and fascinating lifecycle, these Mexican goodeids are popular with passionate aquarists and are frequently kept in aquaria, including many public zoos and aquaria.

Yet approximately 90% of the Mexican goodeids are threatened with extinction. Freshwater environments across their distribution ranges have been severely altered by anthropogenic activities, including the introduction of exotic species and their parasites, pollution, water extraction, hydraulic and hydropower infrastructure, deforestation, overfishing, urban development and more.

The IUCN Red List currently lists nearly three quarters of the species as being either Critically Endangered (13 species), or Endangered (14 species). A further two are listed as Extinct in the Wild, and six are Vulnerable.

Until now, there has only been limited action to conserve and protect them.

What the programme will do:

This unique programme combines the expertise of well organised and highly knowledgeable ex situ breeders (at home and in public aquaria), conservationists from Mexico, the USA and Europe, and community members that live and work close to the species’ habitats.

SHOAL is working closely with experts from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Chester Zoo, Goodeid Working Group, the Freshwater Conservation Committee, and the communities that live and work in each of the species’ ranges, on a collaborative, community-focused approach to ensure sustainability of the projects.

The programme builds on previous work from the above mentioned partners to successfully reintroduce captive bred Tequila splitfin and golden skiffia fishes into the Teuchitlán River, Jalisco. Both species were listed as Extinct in the Wild on the IUCN Red List, with the Tequila splitfin now listed as Endangered and the golden skiffia yet to be reassessed. The early signs are that populations of both species are rising.

Action Plan for the conservation of Mexican Goodeid Fishes

The Action Plan for the Conservation of Mexico’s Goodeid Fishes, released on 31 October 2023 outlines the necessary steps to save as many of the Mexican goodeids as possible from extinction. It includes international ex situ networks, community leadership and engagement, detailed broad-scale implementation tactics, local and national policy, and Mexican and international communications.

Read the Action Plan here.

© Wolfgang Gessl

© Günther Hulla

Featured species: blackspot goodeid (Allotoca maculata)

This tiny fish grows to a maximum size of 48mm. As its name suggests it is distinguished by a black spot on its side. It is now only found in one area in two places in small ditches, pools and small muddy ponds close to the Laguna Magdalena. It is threatened by the loss of its habitat (even though it can survive massive reductions in the ponds during the dry season), pollution, and non-native species.

What the project will do:

The primary objective of the project is to restore and create new habitat that is free from pollution and invasive species. The team will also work closely with the Goodeid Working Group to investigate possibilities of releasing captive bred fish into this new habitat. The long-term success of the project will depend on the support and engagement of the local community and landowners.

Full list of species included in the plan:

List of Mexican goodeid species