RAUCHENBERGER, 1988 English name:
Orange Darter Goodeid
In a branch of the Rio Atenguillo, which lies in the Ameca basin, in 1957 R.R. MILLER & M. MILLER caught a Goodeid that was finally described decades later. Initially, this species was called Allodontichthys species. 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. The new species Allodontichthys polylepis (RAUCHENBERGER, 1988) is different mainly in respect of the significantly higher number of scales on the longitudinal axis, which is on average 48, whereas other species of the genus Allodontichthys have only about 40. Anyway, sometimes one can find Allodontichthys polylepis with only 42 scales on the longitudinal axis and other species of the genus with 44. 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- in particular the Rio Coahuayana and 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 on the road to Jalisco, Mexico. This locality is more than 200 km from the other habitats of Allodontichthys. Besides this significant difference there are a number of morphological distinctions that, taken together, delimitate Allodontichthys polylepis clearly from the other species of the genus: Compared with Allodontichthys zonistius there are differences in pigmentation; 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 polylepis like the other species of the genus is 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 a 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-food are accepted, and the diet should include vegetables to some extent. So Allodontichthys polylepis can be fed with scalded spinach to provide the vegetable matter. Also, algae should not be remained from the tank since they are an additional food-source for the fish. The breeding of Allodontichthys polylepis is quite difficult, so only experts may succeed. One brood consists of only a few fry, which are chased by the parents, so that sufficient hiding places are indispensable. Taken from: Aqualog publishing company
Title: all Livebearers and Halfbeaks,
Photo by: O. Boehm.
Habitat: Rio Estancuela, Mexiko, wild form, female, 5,5 cm | 
