NEWS103
45
riapellaolmecae
The genus
Priapella
currently contains six
described species,with
P. intermedia
and
P.
compressa
sometimes turning up in the
trade. All
Priapella
species are surface-
dwelling fishes that are adapted to
relatively strong-flowingwater in thewild.
Here they swim in shoals, facing into the
current and jumping to capture the small
insects that form their main food. A
particularly striking feature is the bright
blueeyes,whosebrilliancecouldeasily rival
P
Acommon threadhas run through this issueof theNews:cultivated forms
develop from almost all animal andplant specieswhen they are kept by
humans.Somepeople find themmoreattractive,some lessdesirable than
the natural forms.To conclude this Newswewould like tobring you two
rarewild formsof livebearing toothcarps, inwhichbreeding for successive
generations is just asdemandingas creatingnew sports.
Two livebearer
wild forms
byWolfgangLöll
Raritäten
Male
Priapellaolmecae
Priapellaolmecae
, female.The species is alsopopularlyknownas theOlmec Livebearer.
All Photos:FrankSchäfer
thatof the lampeyes (
Aplocheilichthys
).
The maintenance of these lovely fishes in
theaquarium isn’t difficult,but they should
be kept in a shoal in order to appreciate
their beauty to the full. They are very
peaceful fishes.They likeawell-litaquarium
with strong filtration, and the temperature
should lie in the 21-26 °C range.Medium-
hard tohardwaterwithapHofmore than
7.5 is preferable, even though
Priapella
occur in comparatively soft water in the
wild (general hardness3-8°dGH,carbonate
hardness 3-4°dKH). They will eat all the
usual ornamental fish foods, but not from
the bottom. Insects (fruit flies) and
mosquito larvae are good treats for these
fishes.Experiencedbreedersswearby flying
insects as a considerable aid to successful
breeding.
Pregnancy lasts for35-42daysandthereare
8-25youngperbrood.
Plantsaren’tharmedby
Priapellaolmecae
.
Xenophallusumbratilis
Thisdainty little fishoriginates fromCosta
