Edit Cualac tessellatus
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Name
Scientific name
Cualac tessellatus
Described by
Authority Miller, Year 1956
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Common names
Checkered Pupfish
Photograph credits
All 16 credited
Summary
The checkered pupfish, Cualac tessellatus, is a cyprinodontid endemic to a handful of springs in the Río Verde valley, San Luis Potosí, Mex…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
70mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–30°C, pH 7.5–8.5
Hardness
45–53dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Mexico, La Media Luna, Verde
Writing
Etymology
Cualac: derived from a Mexican place name of Indian (Nahuatl) origin which means "where there is good water", in reference to the species' type locality at Med…
Distribution
Endemic to a handful of natural springs in the Río Verde valley, San Luis Potosí state, Central Mexico and currently listed as 'Endangered' by the IUCN. The va…
Habitat
The Río Verde valley is largely composed of Calcium sulphate (gypsum) and all this species' habitats are fed by groundwater springs, some of which are thermal …
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is just about acceptable for a single pair but like most members of the family Cyprinodontidae thi…
Maintenance
Need not be too complicated so long as there are plenty of broken lines-of-sight. Provide plenty of cover in the form of aquatic plants, wool mops, etc., and i…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 – 30 °C pH: 7.5 – 8.5 Hardness: Probably the most important factor in breeding success with this species; the gH at La Media Luna has been reco…
Diet
Chiefly a micropredator feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton although algae and other plant material is taken as we…
Behaviour and compatibility
This species is rarely available in the aquarium hobby and all efforts at captive breeding are to be encouraged so ideally it should be maintained alone. Howev…
Sexual dimorphism
Males have strongly-marked flanks with highly variable vermiculated markings, yellow to orange pelvic and anal fins, bluish dorsal fin peppered with fine dark …
Reproduction
Captive reproduction is not difficult if the tank or container is properly arranged and maintained. The most important aspect is the provision of very hard wat…
Notes
This species' local vernacular name is 'cachorrito de Media Luna', which literally translates as 'puppy of Media Luna'. You're unlikely to find it on sale in a…
References
References
4 on this profile