Allodontichthys Polylepis

Allodontichthys_poledleips__J_Lyons_small.jpg (43564 bytes)

RAUCHENBERGER, 1988

In a branch of the Rio Atenguillo, which lies in the Ameca basin, already in 1957 R.R. MILLER & M. MILLER caught a Goodeid that

was described decades later.At first, this species was named Allodontichthys spec.. The Chromosome Structure had been known

since 1983, but it was not distinct enough to justify the description of a new species. Therefore, other characteristics had to be

examined.

Habitat Pools at Rio de la Pala 2000 small-copy.jpg (61771 bytes)

 .The new speciesAllodontichthys polylepis (RAUCHENBERGER, 1988)It was discovered that this species had a significant lateral scale count from other members of the genus. Another important characteristic is the distribution of this fish. Whereas the other species of Allodontichthys occur side by side within a radius of scarcely 50 km in the Rio Tuxpan- resp. Rio Coahuayana- und Rio Armeria region, Allodontichthys polylepis can only be found in the upper Rio Ameca.Type locality: Rio Protero Grande (which belongs to the Rio-Ameca-basin), 9 km East of Ameca by the road to, Jalisco, Mexico.This locality is more than 200 km apart from the other habitats.However as you can see from these pictures of the habitat taken on a "Fish Ark" expedition in 2003 there is a lot of concern with reguard to the water levels or rather" lack of water" that we found.
However as you can see from these pictures of the habitat taken on a "Fish Ark" expedition in 2003 there is a lot of concern with reguard to the water levels or rather" lack of water" that we found. Indeed a long lenght of the river was searched, even under the bridge on the right were we found this species in 1999 but there was no fish and almost no water. We searched a few miles of river but the only things we found on this trip was a very sick carp and a lot of fine shrimps (see last picture below ). Apart from these locational and longitudinal  scales differences there are a number of other distinctions that, taken together show clearly that Allodontichthys polylepis is distinct from the other species of the genus: For example compared with Allodontichthys zonistius there are differences in pigmentation;

Habitat at Puente Davous trib of Rio de la Pola 2003 Small.jpg (57594 bytes)

Habitat Puente Davous, 7 2003 Small.jpg (55068 bytes)

 Allodontichthys tamazulae has a similar pigmentation, but significantly fewer scales along the lateral ling; Allodontichthys hubbsi not only has different sets of teeth, but also sex chromosomes, that are not identifiable among the other species. Allodontichthys hubbsi not only has different sets of teeth, but also sex chromosomes, that are not identifiable among the other species Allodontichthys polylepis is like the other species of the genus a rather small Goodeid. Females reach a size of 6 to 7 cm, males a size up to 6 cm.Because of the aggressiveness of this fish,
 the aquarium should be big enough (at least 40 litres per animal) and have enough hiding-places like plants, stones or roots. The temperature should be between 20°C and 24°C. During the winter as well as at night the temperature should be rather low. The water should be hard with an pH value of at least 7. Allodontichthys hubbsi lives a mainly ground-orientated, secluded life between rocks and stones.The males defend their territories vigorously against any intruder.   The feeding of Allodontichthys polylepis is without problems. Flakes, frozen and live-foods are accepted, but the diet should include a reasonable amount of  vegetable matter and I personally find that cooked fresh or frozen garden peas do the job quite well if you just pop them into the wifes blender and press the button just once, so that you do not totally smash them. 

Habita Rio de la Pola 2 2003 small.jpg (59209 bytes)

habitat Rio de la Pola 5 2003 small.jpg (64470 bytes)

  

Also, algae should not be removed from their tank since it provides an additional food-source for the fish. The breeding of Allodontichthys polylepis is quite difficult, so only experts may succeed. But should you are fortunate enough to suceed do not be surprised by the small sizes of the broods. And watch out as the parents are highly preditory so make sure that there are sufficient hiding places for the fry.

So far this species has proven extreamly difficult to either translocat or culture, so with it's extramly limited habitat and the sever conditions exsisting there this must be one of the most endangered Goodieds.

 

 

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