Apricaphanius iberus (Valenciennes 1846)

Spanish toothcarp, Nono moresco

The Apricaphanius iberus populates the Mediterranean coasts of the Iberian peninsula, in particular the regions of Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia. It is a small, robust and fairly peaceful fish that inhabits mainly brackish areas, such as lagoons and estuaries. Furthermore, it is a predator that feeds on insects, larvae and invertebrates.

Due to the changes of the natural habitat and the introduction of other species, which competes with the Apricaphanius iberus to access the food sources, the latter is at risk of extinction and entered the list of endangered species.

Now, it is restricted to a few small areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline, especially to the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia.

Submitted by: Alejandro Ríos Martin

GPS: 38.3836136, -1.0582480

Geographical region: Southern Europe
Drainage Basin: Mediterranean Sea
River catchment
Water body type: River
Water body name: Vinalopó
Water body part
Water body course: Middle course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

Type locality: Spain
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)

Videos

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Brackish water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: Medium
Concentration of sediments: High
Water temperature: 10 - 32 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Conductivity
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Biology

Standard length

5.5 cm

Water volume (min. aquarium)

60 l

Social behaviour

Group fish

Behaviour description

Aphanius iberus‘s particular water requirements and aggressive spawning behaviour make the species a poor choice for the aquarium community. It should be kept in a group with the ideal ratio of two or three females to each male.

Aggression grade

Peacefull

Activity

Day active

Sexual dimorphism

Males of Apricaphanius iberus exhibit a series of silvery vertical bars in the rear portion of the body, usually with 3-4 darker bars on the caudal fin. The dorsal, ventral, anal and caudal fins are suffused with a light blue colour, with a dark base and distal band on the dorsal and anal. Females are larger and much plainer, having only a series of variable small spots on the flanks and completely hyaline finnage.

Nutrition in Nature

Basically, micropredators feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton, athough algae and other plant material is also taken at times.

Reproduction

Breeding tank set-up

The available space in the breeding tank can be filled with acrylic wool mops, clumps of java moss or Ceratophyllum and, ideally, filamentous algae. There is no need to add a substrate, although inert sand or gravel can be added if you prefer. Filtration needs not be too strong, either.

Nutrition parents

This species has learnt to accept dried foods in most cases, but should also be offered regular meals of small live or frozen fare such as Artemia, Daphnia or bloodworm.

Mating type

Polygamous

Spawning behaviour

Males form temporary territories, which they defend against rivals, while attempting to entice females to spawn. Dominant individuals will show more intense colouration.

Breeding habits

Substrate-spawning

Hatching period

7-14 days

Number of eggs in average

up to 1000

Parental care

Fry number

Variable

Nutrition fry

When the fry is large enough, it will accept Artemia nauplii and microworm.

Notes on reproduction