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Aphyolebias Costa 1998 (type species Pterolebias peruensis Myers) was created for 4 species previously assigned to Pterolebias Garman 1895. 'Aphyolebias’ is a fusion of the terms Aphyosemion and -lebias, as the 4 species resemble African Aphyosemion spp., with their abundant coloration and finnage. Aphyolebias spp. have a relatively slender body, and (usually) males have extended caudal fins. However, the separation between Aphyolebias and Pterolebias is not well defined, and is often discussed by specialists around the world. Aphyolebias forms a clade with Gnatholebias, Moema, Micromoema and Pterolebias.
Based on nomenclatural regulations, the derived family group-name was changed from Aphyolebiatina to Aphyolebiina by Huber in 2005.
Most members of this genus can be found in primary forests in shallow stagnant waters, often dark thee-colored with low pH and low hardness, and often on muddy bottoms. The various species are widespread over a large range along the foothills of the Andes in the lowlands of Peru and Bolivia, probably also in northwest Brazil and neighboring Colombia. Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain, surveys and expeditions have not covered the whole area, to provide a more accurate view of the complete distribution.
Costa proposed to "lump" Aphyolebias and Moema into one genus and by that synonymize the youngest (Aphyolebias) genus in favor of the oldest genus (Moema). This move is not yet follwed herein.
Behavior:
Aphyolebias spp. sometimes, but not always, dive deep into the soft bottom to spawn, like Cynolebias. Often they bury their eggs deep into the soil by massive movement of the tail. Eggs are relative big (2mm or little more in diameter).
Productivity is high but eggs have a long incubation period, therefore breeding is not always very easy. It can take 3-7 months for the eggs to develop, sometimes even longer if kept in cool temperature. (Less than 26 C.)
The fishes in this genus are annual fishes that however can live longer than most other annuals in captivity. Seldom have they got that chance in the natural environment as waters evaporate and pools dry out on a regular, seasonal basis.