This species was described in the genus Hypsolebias.

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.

Superspecies-components: 

H. adornatus, alternatus, brunoi, caeruleus, carlettoi, delucai, fasciatus, flammeus, fulminantis, gardneri, hamadryades, harmonicus, hellneri, longignatus, lopesi, magnificus, multiradiatus, ocellatus, picturatus, shibattai, splendissimus, tocantinensis, trifasciatus.

Diagnosis: separated from related components by color of Dorsal fin in male, with presence of 2 groups of 3-4 yellow, irregularly-shaped, large spots (vs. absence of such pattern), and presence of longitudinal, alternating 3 yellow and 3 black stripes (vs. stripes absent except for lopesi, with relatively inconspicuous 2 yellow stripes and 2-3 gray stripes) (Nielsen et al., 2014).

Hypsolebias trifasciatus n. sp. is described from a temporary pool located on the left bank of the rio Preto, a tributary of the rio São Francisco. It is the first species of the H. adornatus complex recorded in a tributary rather than the rio São Francisco main channel. This species is distinguished from the remaining Hypsolebias species, with the exception of those belonging to the H. adornatus complex, by the high number of dorsal fin rays , and consequently a large dorsal fin base length, beginning considerably anteriorly to the middle of the body, before the vertical line through the pelvic fin. The new species differs from the remaining species of the H. adornatus complex by the color pattern

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:

Max. size SL 33 mm.
Dorsal male 27-28, Female 16
Anal male20-21, female 16-18,
D/A +8.0,
LL scale count (average)25.5
Pre- dorsal length to % SL – %
Depth to % SL – %

Nielsen, D.T.B., Martins, M., Medeiros, M. Origuela de Lira, F. & A. Faour 2014. Hypsolebias trifasciatus, a new species of annual fish (C yprinodontiformes:
Rivulidae) from the rio Preto, rio São Francisco basin, northeastern Brazil. Aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology, vol. 20 no. 3 - 29.