Aphyosemion mengilai Stefano Valdesalici & Wolfgang Eberl 2014

 

Meaning of Name

After François Mengila.

First Description

Valdesalici S & Eberl W. 2013

Aphyosemion mengilai, a new killifish species from the northern Massif du Chaillu, central Gabon (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae)

Aqua International Journal of Ichthyology: Volume 20, Issue 2 - 15 April 2014pp. 111-116

Size

Meristics

Karyotype

Sub-Genus

Group

A.mengilai.

Synonyms
Populations
  • GEM 06 / 5

GEM 2006 / 5 - Collected by Wolfgang Eberl & François Mengila 19th January 2006 in the village of Evouta (Eyouta).

PEG 2012 / 19 - Stream in the village of Omboué. This is part of the Madimabyé drainage which flows to the Ikoy river a few kms to the north. Also found in this location were barb species. Collected 16th January 2012.

PEG 2012 / 21 - Stream called the Mongadi in the village of Divindé. Located 1·5 kms south of the village. The area is part of the Epopa drainage which flows to the Oumba river a few kms south of the village. Collected 16th January 2012.

PEG 2012 / 22 - Stream called the Mingombei in the village of Egouba. Area drains into the Oumba river a few kms west of the vilage. Collected 16th January 2012.

Type Locality

GEM 2006 / 5. In the stream called Obélé in the village of Evouta. 01°03'75" south, 11°11'34" east.

Distribution

Ikoy River drainage, northern Massif du Chaillu, Gabon. A small area. Collected 29 kms by road between known sites.

Habitat

Small streams. Photos suggest a sandy/mud base, scattered leaf litter.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Similar to A.grelli. Distinguished by grey to black outer margins to unpaired fins. Also A.mengilai (male & female) has more dorsal & anal fin rays than A.grelli.
Female A.mengilai have pale blue submarginal bands in unpaired fins & dark upper & lower lips.

Female showing black lips.

Colour/Pattern Variability Low, given the small known distribution area.
History

Collected by Wolfgang Eberl & François Mengila 19th January 2006. This location was GEM 2006 / 5.

In January 2012 Wolfgang Eberl & Guido Passaro returned to relocate the species. On January 16th new locations were discovered at PEG 2012 / 19, 21 & 22.

Breeding Notes

Diameter of Egg
Remarks

See BKA newsletter No.564, Jan/Feb 2015 for an article by Wolfgang Eberl containing photos & a detailed map.