Hyphessobrycon ericae Lima 2017

Hyphessobrycon ericae is distinguished from all members of the genus, exceptH. amapaensis, H. heterorhabdus, H. montagi and H. wosiackii, by having humeral blotch continuous with midlateral stripe that becomes blurred posteriorly, not reaching beyond adipose fin (vs. humeral blotch, when present, not continuous with midlateral stripe, or stripe extending to caudal fin). It differs from H. amapaensis and H. heterorhabdus by having a caudal peduncle blotch (vs. absent); from H. montagi by having a single humeral blotch (vs. two connected humeral blotches); and from H. wosiackii by having humeral blotch vertically elongated (vs. humeral blotch rounded) (Ref. 116179).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Analsoft rays: 19 - 25; Vertebrae: 32 - 34

This species inhabits small to medium-sized clearwater terra firme streams (i.e., streams that are not inundated during the flood season). Its type locality is characterized by a shallow first order clearwater stream, with sandy bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation. However, this species is often collected in sections of the stream that lack aquatic vegetation. Four specimens of this species have unidentified vegetal matter and insect remains in their stomach. Insect items that are recognizable include winged and wingless ants, and a small aquatic beetle (Ref. 116179).