Blackspot Allotoca

Diagnosis: A small species with dorsal and anal fins set far back on body, but less posterior than in Allotoca dugesi. Predorsal length 64-68%. Dorsal origin slightly ahead of anal origin. Dorsal rays usually 13 or 14. Anal rays usually 11-13. Lateral scales 28-32. Mandibular pores absent. Adult fins dimorphic, longer in males which have dorsal and anal fins rounded and elevated. Deep body and compressed. The coloration is distinctive, fins mostly clear, one or more irregular dark spots on caudal peduncle, females with 3-6 lateral blotches of iridescent blue, males with a lateral series of fine dark spots. Diploid chromosome number 48, no metacentrics (Ref. 35111).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Analsoft rays: 11 - 13

Inhabits shallow lake margins and adjacent marshes, in less than 0.5 meter depth. Has been collected in rather clear to muddy water, over soft mud substrates which are easily roiled. It survives well in very shallow, well vegetated water of shrinking lakes and can be collected by dipnets. Also taken in areas bare of vegetation, although the type locality was choked with Eichornia when collections were made in 1957 and 1970; some Hydrocotye was also present, and where afternoon water temperatures at the lake were 15.5°C (1957) and 16.2°C (1970) (Ref. 35111).

Found in very clear water with muddy or boggy bottoms (Ref. 26130). Species used in research (Ref. 4537).

The blackspot allotoca (Allotoca maculata), also known as the blackspot goodeid, tailspot goodeid, or tiro manchado, is a critically endangered species of fish in the family Goodeidae, endemic to the Lago de Magdalena basin near Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico.