This week we received from specialised breeders in Asia five new, breathtaking varieties of livebearers. One circumstance makes this a little sensation: four of the new varieties belong to the species Micropoecilia parae, which is regarded as almost impossible to keep and breed over generations in aquaria.
Three colour varieties of M. parae display two horizontal stripes over the body. Between these stripes is another, brillantly colored stripe in red, yellow or blue. We offer these varieties assorted. This form has been described scientifically in 1909 as Acanthophacelus melanzonus. Thus the breeder has added the term „melanzonus“ to these three sports. Scientifically speaking A. melanzonus is regarded currently as a synonym of M. parae.
The fourth variety of M. parae has vertical stripes on the flanks, which are red and black. The females of all varieties mentioned exactly look the same.
Last but not least we received a new selection of wild-type guppys which is named „Three Spots“ by the breeder. This ancient guppy type is also a real eyeburner and an ideal fish for any community tank with small and peaceful tankmates.
Micropoecilia and guppy are not closely related and can never be crossed.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
Lexicon: Micropoecilia: means „small Poecilia“. Poecilia is another genus of livebearers. parae: means „coming from Para“. Para is a Brazilian state. Melanzonus: means „with black zones“ according to the two horizontal black stripes. Acanthophacelus: means „cluster of needles“; in respect of the microstructure of the male´s sexual organ, the gonopodium. Synonym: Synonyms are different words with identical meanings. If a species is named scientifically twice or more often, the eldest available name is the vaild one. The other name(s) are considered to be synonym(s) without validity.
