Hyphessobrycon micropterus (Eigenmann, 1915)

A conspicious species from the middle stream of the Rio São Francisco

I caught Hyphessobrycon micropterus which is native to the Rio Sao Francisco basin in only one habitat; E-BR 33-07 located close to the gravel road MG181 from Riachinho to Arinos on the Rio’s left bank. e

 

The habitat E-BR 33-07 was rather difficult to spot. It was densely covered by vegetation above and also - at least partially - below water level. The bottom consisted of typical Brazilian reddish sand and seemed to be free of loamy compositions. Thus the water was clear.

I almost fished blind among the water plants and was astonished when the first H. micropterus were in the net. The intense red coloration was unexpectedly consipicious. Although the fishes are rather appealing I don’t know any publication about the aquarium maintenance of this species.

The two pictures below show H. micropterus, in a photo cuvette and above water.

Marco Endruweit, December 2007