Alessandra's toothcarp

📖 Overview

Alessandra's toothcarp (Phalloceros alessandrae), first described by Lucinda, 2008 is a tiny fish in the family Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 1.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Poeciliidae kept in the hobby.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 32. Diagnosed from other species of the genus Phalloceros except Phalloceros megapolos, Phalloceros spiloura, Phalloceros malabarbai, Phalloceros anisophallos, Phalloceros buckupi, Phalloceros uai, Phalloceros lucenorum, Phalloceros pellos, and Phalloceros reisi by the female urogenital papilla curved to the right, located laterally (vs. slightly left turned and with a lateral ramus or straight located along midventral line; and border of the anal aperture in contact with the first anal-fin ray or very close to it (vs. separated from first anal-fin ray by the female urogenital papilla). Differs from Phalloceros megapolos by the gonopodial appendix normally developed (vs. greatly expanded in wing like expansions); and from Phalloceros spiloura, Phalloceros anisophallos, Phalloceros buckupi, Phalloceros uai, Phalloceros lucenorum, Phalloceros pellos, and Phalloceros reisi by the halves of gonopodial paired appendix slender, not sickle like, and similar to each other (vs. sickle like and different from each other), bearing a medial corner (vs. medial corner absent); and hooks on both halves of gonopodial paired appendix (vs. right half hook absent). Distinguished from Phalloceros malabarbai by gonopodial appendix straight at the distal tip (vs. strongly arched at the distal tip); distal portion straight and oblique forming a 45º angle with the vertical axis (vs. distal portion bent upward); and left and right halves coalescent at the base (vs. halves free not coalescent at the base) .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Alessandra's toothcarp is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical South America: Brazil in flooded areas on margins nearby Antonina and rio Dois de Fevereiro, flowing into the Baía de Paranaguá.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Alessandra's toothcarp.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute