Edit Apricaphanius saourensis
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Name
Scientific name
Apricaphanius saourensis
Described by
Authority Blanco, Hrbek & Doadrio, Year 2006, Bracketed
Family
Aphaniidae
Common names
Sahara Toothcarp
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The Sahara toothcarp, Apricaphanius saourensis, is endemic to the Oued Saoura, an endorheic river basin in Algeria that drains into the Sah…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
45mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 2–30°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
10–30dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Algeria
Writing
Etymology
Apricaphanius: from the Latin adjective apricus, meaning 'sunny' (given as "shining" by the authors), in reference to the many small white spots on the flanks …
Distribution
Endemic to the Oued Saoura river basin in Algeria, an endorheic (closed) drainage that does not run into the ocean but drains into the Sahara Desert and is oft…
Habitat
Images of the type locality depict a shallow, slow-moving stream with no marginal vegetation but dense growths of submerged plant-life.
Aquarium size
A pair or trio can be kept in a container with base dimensions of 60 cm x 30 cm or so but as a general rule members of this genus do best when maintained as a …
Maintenance
Even for long-term maintenance a simple set-up will suffice. The most important factors are the provision of many broken lines of sight and a suitable medium i…
Water conditions
Temperature: Active over a wide temperature range of 2 – 30 °C. Artificial heating is not required in all but the coldest climates and it should be provided wi…
Diet
Apricaphanius species are basically micropredators feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton although algae and other pl…
Behaviour and compatibility
Its particular water requirements and aggressive spawning behaviour make A. saourensis a poor choice for the community aquarium. Given its clearly precarious c…
Sexual dimorphism
As with all members of the genus sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males exhibit a mottled silver/blue patterning on the body which in some individuals forms ro…
Reproduction
Captive reproduction is not difficult if the tank or container is properly arranged and maintained (see 'tank set-up'). It is a fractional spawner with females…
Notes
All Algerian Apricaphanius populations were considered to be representative of A. iberus until this species was described in 2006. It differs both morphologica…
References
References
2 on this profile