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Genus

Paraphanius

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Species
1
Photographed
1 of 1
Difficulty rated
1 of 1

Where the name comes fromEdit

from the Greek prefix para- (Gr. παρα-), meaning 'beside', and the generic name Aphanius, within which genus members were formerly placed.

Adult male specimen from Ein Feshkha nature reserve, northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, in breeding colours, neutral mood.

Paraphanius mentoIridescent Toothcarp

Heckel, 1843

Max length
70mm SL2.8in SL
Tank
120 × 30cm48 × 12in
Temp
2–30°C36–86°F
pH
7.5–9.0

The iridescent toothcarp, Paraphanius mento, occurs in eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries from Turkey and Israel to Iraq and Iran. Most aquarium fish come from Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the Ceyhan and Seyhan basins. One of the more ancient Aphanius, it has found greater popularity in the hobby than its relatives. Males are the most aggressive in the genus and will often fight to the death.

Moderate