Arnoldichthys spilopterus

Arnoldichthys spilopterus
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Alestidae
Genus: Arnoldichthys
G. S. Myers, 1926
Species: A. spilopterus
Binomial name
Arnoldichthys spilopterus
(Boulenger, 1909)

Arnoldichthys spilopterus, the Niger tetra, is a characin endemic to Nigeria.

Information

The Arnoldichthys spilopterus is kept as an aquarium fish. It is the only member of its genus. It is considered to be a freshwater species that are found in a pelagic range within a tropical climate. The average length of the Arnoldichthys spilopterus as an unsexed male is about 9.6 centimeters or about 3.7 inches. Their diet consists of worms, insects, and crustaceans. When kept in an aquarium for breeding, a female can lay about 1,000 eggs. They can hatch between the time of 30-34 hours. If kept in an aquarium, it is recommended to keep a group of at least five of this species together. The minimum size of an aquarium that is adequate for this species is about 100 centimeters.[1] This species is considered to be vulnerable to becoming an endangered species. In Nigeria this species is found in less than ten different areas. Another influence that affects the population of this species in its natural state is oil exploration, deforestation, and pollution. There is also a population trend that is decreasing due to the fish trade that the Arnoldichthys spilopterus has become a part of for the aquatic system and commerce. [2]

Classification

The taxonomic classification of the Arnoldichthys spilopterus is as follows:

References

  1. ↑ "Arnoldichthys spilopterus". Fish Base. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Arnoldichthys spilopterus". International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Retrieved 11 March 2013.

Notes