Papiliolebias bitteri is described by Dr. Wilson Costa in 1998 and remained till 2009 as an monotypic species. First he assigned it to the genus Plesiolebias, Costa 1989 but he became convinced it was necessary to create an new genus for it. This because a number of meristic differences to that genus and an abnormal spawning behaviour. Seegers however stated (in the book Aqualog) that the differences are very small and not consistent and the spawning behaviour is not as Costa sees it in every occasion. Not enough in his opinion to separate this genus from Plesiolebias. As long as no prove is given that he was wrong, Costa’s Papiliolebias will be the name of the genus.

Papiliolebias bitteri was first imported by commercial imports in Germany and Costa took samples of these animals to describe the species. Later, as was figured out what the type's origin was, the species was found in different occasions in the Chaco- region of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. Also it turned out to be in scientific collections already without being noticed before.

Breeding this species is difficult and for experienced aquarists. They do not need special tanks or water conditions but the eggs are very small and the fry, that will develop in the eggs in about 3 months, need to have very small plankton or infusoria in the first week or two. After that period fresh artemia nauplii can be given also. It is wise to put one male with several females in an breeding tank together. The male can be a little aggressive in his behaviour to the females. Better is it, if you have many animals, to put an group of males and females together in an bigger tank with a lot of hidingplaces and several dishes to spawn.

Eggs are put on- in- and above the substrate that should be a layer of cooked and rinsed peatmoss that is kept free of pollution. To avoid the mix with food or detritus it is advised to put the spawning medium in a low dish on the bottom. Rins it very good after collecting and store the peat in warm condition from about 25 C.
They can be very productive but still this species is not widely spread among hobbyists because of small availability and varius breeding results.

Costa, W.J.E.M. 1998 Revision of the neotropcal Annual Fish genus Plesiolebias (Ciprinidontiformes, Rivulidae) Ichtyol. Explor. Freswaters, 8 (4): 319