Species profile
Twoline Skiffia
Neotoca bilineata
Peaceful
Moderate care
90 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Accepted genus updated from Skiffia to Neotoca. This cool-tolerant goodeid benefits from seasonal variation and does not need permanently high tropical temperatures.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–25 °C
pH
7–8.2
GH
8–25 dGH
KH
5–18 dKH
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
0.75
Social goodeid best maintained in a group. Generally peaceful, though males display and chase; dense planting gives females and juveniles cover.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–7 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
90 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neotoca bilineata
Alternative names
Skiffia bilineata, Twoline Skiffia, Two-line Splitfin
Native range
Lerma-Grande and Grande de Morelia river basins, central Mexico.
Natural habitat
Shallow streams, springs, ditches and vegetated margins, often with seasonal temperature variation and moderate mineral content.
Diet & feeding
Microphagous omnivore feeding on algae, detritus and tiny invertebrates; offer plant-rich foods plus small frozen/live items.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are smaller, slimmer and more strongly patterned; females are larger and fuller, especially when gravid.
Breeding
Goodeid livebearer. Females give birth to well-developed young after matrotrophic gestation; fry are comparatively large at birth.