Costa (2006) placed this new taxon in the genus Hypsolebias. This classification is not followed herein because of unstable diagnoses and Hypsolebias is considered to be a subgenus of the genus Simpsonichthys.

Hypsolebias caeruleus is described from the semi-arid Caatinga savannah of north-eastern Brazil, middle São Francisco River basin. It is similar to H. adornatus and H. lopesi , differing from all other species of this group by having the dorsal-fin origin in a vertical anterior to the pelvic fin in males, flank blue in males, and two black spots, vertically aligned, immediately anterior to the caudal-fin base in females. The new species mainly differs from H. adornatus by the smaller anal-fin base in males, the consequent relative posterior position of the anal-fin origin and details of the colour pattern in males and females; and from H. lopesi by the pointed dorsal fin, relative posterior position of the anal-fin, relatively larger caudal fin, and distinct colour patterns. The discovery of H. caeruleus significantly amplifies the known distribution of the H. magnificus species group northwards.

Discoverer(s): Wilson J.E.M. Costa et al., May 8. 2010.

Etymology: dark blue (from Latin: caeruleus, coeruleus), in reference to the male main color pattern of sides and fins.

Type locality: about 30 km north of the town of Itaguaçu, Bahia state, altitude 414 m, (eastern) Brasil.

Diagnosis: diagnosed from the related H. adornatus and H. lopesi, also with a very large-based dorsal fin, by distinct color patterns and morphomeristics in male in both cases and from H. adornatus alone by a smaller anal fin base in male and from H. lopesi alone by a pointed dorsal fin, posterior position of anal fin.

This species can be productive, and the fry is small. Immediately after hatching, the fry should be fed with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii (brine shrimp) or better Paramecium. As most annual species do, they spawn by diving entirely into the substrate. It is best to provide a container with a lid on top in which a hole is made to allow the fish access. That container will need to have enough peat in it for the fish to dive completely into it. For most Hypsolebias species, egg development is complete after 8-10 weeks. However, it is wise also to check a few weeks earlier to see if any eggs have fully developed. Do not let the peat dry too far because the Hypsolebias like it moist. The development will be slower at storage temperatures between 21 and 24 Celsius and speed up at 25-29 Celsius. Before watering the eggs, put some eggs in the water of about 18-20 degrees Celsius to see if the eggs hatch correctly. That usually happens within 2-6 hours. Then, if eggs hatched well and fry, swim correctly, bring all remaining peat in the water. You may need to re-pack the peat after pouring over the first group of fry to a larger tank.

With regular water changes and sufficient food, the young will grow quickly, and after about 5-6 weeks, they can already produce their first eggs. Since this genus has an annual life cycle, the expected life span in captivity is not much more than 10 to 12 months. Their life expectancy is limited to when their pool still has water in the wild. This period can vary from 6 to 8 months.

Remarks:

It is unfortunate that many species that were described never reached the fanciers. This is because newly discovered species are placed in alcohol shortly after their discovery and description. Since Brazilian regulations prohibit the keeping and distribution of these species within their own country and beyond, it is impossible to take photos of these species, and only photos from the original description can be taken.

For this site I am searching for someone that has this species. We need a photo of it.

Look for detailed info on this species at: https://www.killi-data.org/ Membership is free!

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