HUBBS & TURNER, 1937 This genus is monotypical. The most important characteristic of this genus in comparison with other Goodeids are the Trophotaenia of the embryo, which are missing after birth. Therefore this genus was regarded as particularly primitive and independent. The results of karyologic, morphologic and zoo-geographical investigations indicated a very close relationship with the genus Goodea. After the next revision the genus Ataeniobius will probably be classed with the genus Goodea and named Goodea toweri. Unlike most other Goodeids Ataeniobius needs water temperatures between 26 °C and 28 °C. The animals need a high portion of vegetable food so that scalded spinach must additionally be fed. In their natural environment the ground consists of sand and rock and is covered with thick layers of green algae. In the bank region mainly water lilies occur. Due to negative environmental influences (environmental pollution, biotope destruction) Ataeniobius is a threatened genus. Breeding is not easy. Moreover, pregnant females can be recognized with some exercise only | 
