Apricaphanius saourensis

About

Found only in Algeria, this small killifish, Aphanius saourensis, was not recognized as a distinct species until 2006, having previously been lumped in with the Spanish Aphanius iberus. It differs from its relatives both genetically and in appearance. Males display a mottled body pattern rather than the vertical bars seen in related species, making identification reasonably straightforward once you know what to look for. In the wild it faces a grim situation, threatened by agricultural water extraction, wetland loss, pollution, and competition from introduced Gambusia. Captive populations are rare, and sourcing fish typically means tracking down specialist breeders or killifish associations rather than browsing shop tanks. In the aquarium, this is not a fish for a mixed community setup. Males are assertive during spawning and the species has specific water chemistry preferences that set it apart from most common tankmates. A ratio of two or three females per male works well, and the group is best kept on its own. Breeding is achievable with some attention. Females spawn on and off through the warmer months, depositing eggs singly on algae or other surfaces, and eggs need to be collected regularly since adults will consume them. Anyone taking this species on should approach it as a genuine conservation commitment rather than casual fishkeeping.