Pachypanchax varatraza Loiselle 2006

Distinguished from Pachypanchax playfairii in lacking raised dorsolateral squamation and in details of its color pattern. Males without rows of discrete red dots on the flanks and red edging to the vertical fins; female lack any sort of black markings on the dorsal fin. Has the shortest pectoral fins (13.4% SL) among Malagasy Pachypanchax. Differs from Pachypanchax sakaramyi and Pachypanchax sparksorum by the absence of pectoral scales of reduced size. Can be distinguished from Pachypanchax omalonotus by the rounded dorsal and anal fins of males and their lack of discrete metallic gold spangling on the flanks; and also differs from the remaining Malagasy congeners by lack of iridescent white edging to, or darker submarginal banding on, the vertical fins (Ref. 57724).Description: Dorsal- fin rays iii,8; iv,8; iii,9; iii,10; ii,11. Anal-fin rays iii,14; iii,15; ii,16; iii,16; ii,17. Pelvic- fin rays i,5. Pectoral- fin rays 14-16 (Ref. 57724).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Analsoft rays: 17 - 19

Found in a wide range of habits: stream flowing under relatively intact forest cover at an altitude of 70 m above sea level consisting of a series of quiet pools with clay/sand bottoms, interspersed with short stretches of flowing water over sand/ gravel bottoms and with very turbid water; and stream flowing through modified low-altitude rain forest at an altitude of 30 m above sea level consisting of clay/sand bottom, interspersed with patches of bedrock with clear water and moderate current (Ref. 57724). Feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects (Ref. 57724).

Pachypanchax varatraza is a species of Aplocheilid killifish endemic to Madagascar where it is found in the Menambery, Fanambana and Ampanobe rivers. Its natural habitat is streams and pools. It is threatened by invasive species.