Apricaphanius saourensis · Sahara Toothcarp

Overview

Apricaphanius saourensis comes from a closed drainage at the Saharan margin of Algeria. Males have silver-blue mottling instead of the regular bars seen in some relatives. Dedicated breeding, provenance records, and shelter for females and subordinate males are practical priorities.

Distribution & habitat

The Oued Saoura basin does not reach the sea; it drains toward the Sahara and often dries in its lower sections. Historical localities include the Oued Zousfana near Igli, El Ouata, Kerzaz, and Mazzer. Earlier surveys already indicated contraction, with introduced mosquitofish, water extraction, and pollution creating pressure.

Images of the type locality show a shallow slow stream with little marginal vegetation but dense submerged plants. A desert setting therefore does not imply that a bare, coverless aquarium is appropriate.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least about 120 × 30 cm for a group. Fine spawning mops and filamentous algae break sightlines and offer egg attachment sites. Females and subordinate males need refuge from dominant fish.

Use marine salt at about 1–3 g/L; moss and hornwort may not thrive under these conditions. Substrate is optional, with inert sand or gravel suitable, and filtration should be gentle. Outdoor care and several hours of natural light can work where the climate is appropriate. Give fish a cool winter lasting several months, since continuous warmth may impair fecundity and lifespan. Acidic water is unsuitable.

Diet & feeding

Relatives consume tiny aquatic animals along with algae and plant matter. Supplement dry foods with small live or frozen brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms, particularly during reproductive activity. Include a spirulina-enriched product if filamentous algae are absent.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep a dedicated group with two or three females per male. Strong breeding pursuit and particular water requirements make general community housing inappropriate. Preserve distinct origins instead of combining similar relatives for reproduction.

Sexual dimorphism

Males show silver-blue mottling, sometimes forming irregular bands toward the tail base. Dorsal, tail, and anal fins carry dark markings and faint blue, while paired fins are clear. Larger, plain females have brownish flank mottling, usually one dark tail-base spot, and transparent fins.

Breeding

Repeated spawning usually continues from April to November. Males establish temporary territories. Single eggs or small batches attach to algae and other surfaces by fine threads. Adults may eat eggs and fry.

Inspect mops daily during the season. Transfer egg-bearing material without touching the eggs, or replace entire mops every few days. Match incubation temperature and chemistry to adult conditions. Eggs generally hatch after seven to fourteen days, and free-swimming fry can take newly hatched brine shrimp and microworms.

Notes

Previously included with Apricaphanius iberus, this species was described in 2006. Mottling assists comparison with distinctly barred or spotted relatives, but other unidentified Algerian populations cannot automatically be assigned to it.