This species was originally described as Simpsonichthys delucai.

W. Costa (2006) assigned many members of the genus Simpsonichthys to the subgenus Hypsolebias (Costa 2006). Hypsolebias was subsequently elevated to a genus (Costa 2011). According to some scientists, the separation of Hypsolebias from the genus Simpsonichthys is insufficiently substantiated and, therefore, debatable.

Mr. Andre C. De Luca was co- discoverer of this species that is positionned closest to Hypsolebias alternatus but differs to that by having a rounded dorsal fin to slightly pointed (vers. filamented in H. alternatus) which has red- brown colours with green spots. The number of brown bars in that dorsal fin is with 3-4 half the number of the bars in H. alternatus. (6-8)

It was found near Urucuia in the Rio Urucuia floodplains, Minas Gerais state, Brasil where it lives in temporary pools in savannah areas on the central plateau.

Discoverer(s): André C. De Luca and D.H.B. Padrao, January 27. 2001.

Etymology: in honor of Andre C. De Luca, co-discoverer of the species.

Diagnosis: separated from alternatus by having rounded or slightly pointed (not filamentous) Dorsal in male, that is red brown colored with green spots following 3-4 brown bars (not 6-8 on total fin) (Costa, 2003a).

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.

Remark:

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Max. size 4.0 cm.
Dorsal 20.1,
Anal 22.5,
D/A 3.0,
LL scale count (average)25.5
Pre- dorsal length to % SL – 53.5 %
Depth to % SL – 34.2 %

Costa, W.J.E.M. 2003. The Simpsonichthys flavicaudatus species group (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae: Cynolebiatinae): phylogenetic Relationships, taxonomic Revision and Biogeography. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters, 14 (1) March: 49, fig. 9.

Costa, W.J.E.M. 2010e. Historical Biogeography of cynolebiasine annual Killifishes inferred from Dispersal-Vicariance Analysis. Journal of Biogeography (J. Biogeogr.), 37: 1995-2004.