Edit Aphaniops sirhani

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Name

Scientific name

Aphaniops sirhani

Described by

Authority Villwock, Scholl & Krupp, Year 1983, Bracketed

Family

Aphaniidae

Common names

Azraq Toothcarp

Photograph credits

All 4 credited

Summary

The Azraq toothcarp, Aphaniops sirhani, is endemic to what remains of Azraq Oasis in the Wadi Sirhan valley of the Syrian Desert, Jordan. F…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

50mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 10–35°C, pH 7–8.5

Hardness

10–25dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Jordan

Writing

Etymology

Aphaniops: named for the related genus Aphanius, within which members were formerly placed, in combination with the taxonomic suffix -ops, meaning 'resembling'…

Distribution

A. sirhani is endemic to what remains of Azraq Oasis in the Wadi Sirhan valley of the Syrian Desert. It is considered to be critically endangered by the IUCN.

Habitat

The recent history of the oasis arguably ranks among the most tragic cases of habitat degradation by humans yet seen. It is the only permanent water body in 12…

Aquarium size

A pair or small group can be kept in a container with base dimensions of 60cm x 30cm or equivalent but as a general rule members of this genus do better when m…

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 10 – 35 °C. Artificial heating is not required in all but the coldest climates and it should be provided w…

Diet

Aphaniops species are basically micropredators feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton although algae and other plant …

Behaviour and compatibility

Its particular water requirements and vigorous spawning behaviour make A. sirhani a poor choice for the community aquarium. Given its precarious conservation s…

Sexual dimorphism

As with all members of the genus sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males exhibit a series of dark vertical bars on the flanks with usually two bars in the cauda…

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

Phylogenetic studies have shown this species to be most closely related to A. dispar, A. richardsoni and A. ginaonis within the genus. It probably became isola…

Phylogenetic studies have shown this species to be most closely related to A. dispar, A. richardsoni and A. ginaonis within the genus. It probably became isolated when the Red Sea flooded the Wadi Sirhan around 13 million years ago. You 're unlikely to find it on sale in aquatic stores although it may be available via specialist breeders or associations from time-to-time.

While Aphanius are certainly not as colourful as some of their relatives their interesting behaviour and continuous activity make them fascinating aquarium subjects and well worth a try if you possess the dedication to take on a long-term maintenance project since conservation is key with all members of the genus.

The genus currently contains 22 species and subspecies which are thought to have derived from a common ancestor originally distributed around the periphery of the former Tethys Sea. None are particularly well-documented in aquarium literature although some are very beautiful and the majority are not too difficult to maintain and breed. Sadly most are on the verge of extinction for one reason or another with several existing only in remnant, highly-localised populations.

In practically all cases the root cause for this decline is the activity of humans and although some species are now protected by conservation law the mismanagement and degradation of their habitats continues at an alarming rate. A few species are still, inexplicably, listed as a species of Lebias by some sources although that name has long been considered a synonym of Cyprinodon by most authorities and an ICZN committee voted to suppress the name in favour of Aphanius as recently as 2003.

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My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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References

1 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References