Yesterday we informed you in our Extra-Newsletter about the arrival of a species of Moema from Venezuela, which was unknown to us so far. Some killifish-specialists informed us now that this fish represents a population of the monotypical (= containing only one species) genus Renova, which was described scientifically only in 1995. The genus Renova differs from Moema only in a few minor anatomical details (less vertebrae, different head profile, smaller maximum size etc.).
This species was known among killifish enthusiasts under the name of “Moema from Isla Raton” before it was described scientifically. It is an annual (= lives for only one season), bottom-spawning species. Type locality is the island “Isla Raton” in the Orinoco river. This island is about 14 km long and 6 km wide. Here Renova oscari occurs along with the killifish species Rivulus sp., Micromoema xiphophorus and Terranatos dolichopterus.
Thanks a lot to all or readers that helped us to find out the true identity of our fish!
For our customers: the animals have code 330044 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only very few specimens available!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
