Six new species of the seasonal killifish genus Cynolebias are described. They are endemic to the Caatinga of the middle São Francisco river basin, a semi-arid savannah re...gion of north-eastern Brazil undergoing intensive habitat loss. Cynolebias ochraceus, new species, is closely related to C. gilbertoi, differing from it by having more vertebrae, fewer vomerine teeth, more caudal-fin rays and a different colouration in males. Cynolebias obscurus, new species, and C. roseus, new species, are members of the C. porosus group, the former being distinguished from congeners of that group by having a narrow basihyal, the ventral process of autopalatine absent, and a distinct colour pattern in males; and C. roseus differing by having contact organs over the internal surface of all the pectoral-fin rays in males. Cynolebias rectiventer, new species, C. parietalis, new species, and C. oticus, new species, are members of the C. perforatus group; C. rectiventer differs from all congeners of its group by having contact organs only on the seven upper-most rays of the pectoral fin in males, a small ventral process on the autopalatine and gill rakers slightly curved with denticles restricted to margin, and absence of scales on the dorsal-fin base; C. parietalis, by having supraorbital and parietal series of neuromasts united and a broad basihyal; and, C. oticus, by having the otic and post-otic series of neuromasts often united or in close proximity and the dorsal profile of the head concave in all ontogenetic stages. Cynolebias albipunctatus is considered as a synonym of C. porosus, which is assumed to be endemic to the São Francisco river basin. Preliminary conservation status assessments indicate that at least two new species, C. obscurus and C. ochraceus, are endangered.

Other species in its species group are C. altus, C. attenuatus, C. gibbus, C. gilbertoi, C. macrophthalmus, C. parietalis, C. obscurus, C. ochraceus, C. perforatus, C. porosus, C. roceus, C. rectiventer and C. vazabarrisensis.

No data available but assumed not different from its congeners. Breeding Cynolebias oticus is not for inexperienced hobbyists. The species becomes relative large and need special attention in feeding and storing the eggs. Food demand is high as the species need to grow to adulthood within a few months and eggs need to be stored under very cool circumstances in wich a frigidaire could become a good tool. Reproduction is best with one male and a number of big females. Tank need at least contain 60 liters and provide shelter for the females as male can be very agressive.

Also females are known to be agressive to each other. Put a high container filled with neutral pH material like Coco peat or clay (or a mix of it) for spawning.

Eggs are 2.2 mm in diameter and need about 4 to 5 months to develop. Juveniles that grow faster than others should be separated from the smaller ones immediately as they prey on them.

Remarks :

As with almost all other species this one is seldom available under hobbyists.

Max. size 00.0 cm in males - fem.smaller.
Dorsal (average, male only ) 00.0,
Anal (average, male only ) 00.0,
D/A (average, male only ) 0.0,
LL scale count (average) 00.0
Pre- dorsal length to SL – 00.0 %
Depth to SL – 00.0 %

Vertebrae count (average) 00.0