Aphyosemion alpha Huber 1998

Diagnosis: This is a fairly large species of the subgenus Chromaphyosemion, larger than all its congeners with the exception of Aphyosemion riggenbachi, which has the most forward placed dorsal fin (Ref. 41203). It is a strictly blue phenotype with a unique red marking on the sides of the body with the exception of the gill lids, with two conspicuous, mood-dependent dark longitudinal bands, with a red dotted dorsal fin, a flamed caudal fin and an "undrawn" anal fin, except for a thin red submarginal and white marginal band, with longer trapezoidal vertical unpaired fins and a caudal fin with short extracts in the males; the female also shows the alpha-shaped mark, with striking, dark bandages and an anal fin without spots, but without a dark mesh pattern around the scales on the sides of the body (Ref. 41203).Description: Large, somewhat stout with little lateral compression (Ref. 80395). Short streamers in dorsal end caudal fins; dorsal fin with 12-13 rays; anal fin with 13-15 rays; the ratio D/A = 1-2/1 (Ref. 80395). Scales in longitudinal series 25-26 (+1-2); predorsal scales 12-13; transversal scales 8-9 (Ref. 80395).Colouration: Males light blue on flanks, light brown dorsally and pale orange yellow ventrally; dark red spots, forming horizontal bands dorsally on body and caudal peduncle; just above the pectoral fins two bands of red spots merge to form a larger spot in the shape of the Greek letter 'alpha'; throat usually pale orange; dorsal fin light orange, tinged with pale blue; large dark red spots between dorsal fin rays, with an orange short fin extension; anal fin blue, usually without dark red spots but some may be present basally; anal fin with a narrow dark red band and a light blue margin; caudal fin blue with dark red spots and stripes dorsally; in the lower part of this fin, a dark red band and light blue margin; caudal fin extensions orange (Ref. 80395). Young males with two dark longitudinal bands; when mature these bands are less visible (Ref. 80395). Females yellow-brown with two dark longitudinal bands that remain visible in mature specimens; all fins are colourless except the dorsal which is pale light blue with dark spots (Ref. 80395).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 13 - 15; Vertebrae: 24 - 25

This species is found in clear creeks under forest cover, usually over a sandy soil, in the coastal plain (Ref. 80395).

This species is found in clear creeks under forest cover, usually over a sandy soil, in the coastal plain (Ref. 80395).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: potential