Rheocles

Rheocles is a genus freshwater fish that is endemic in the eastern part of Madagascar.

Features

The bodies are stocky with short fins compared to the sister genus Bedotia. The elongate body is covered with small and a few luster shed. The caudal fin is usually cut deep. The maximum total length can be 18 inches, but most species remain significantly smaller.

Way of life

The fish inhabit the higher, cooler sections of located in rainforest streams. The rivers are clear with soft, slightly acidic, strongly flowing, oxygen- rich water. There are few aquatic plants are present and the water temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius. Some species are sympatric. All species feed predominantly carnivorous. Procreation is similar Bedotia.

Endangering

The larger species are caught by the local people. Due to habitat destruction and overfishing they are in some areas, as in Alaotrasee, already extinct. Rheocles alaotrensis but still happens in several river systems, while other species, such as Rheocles wrightae, due to their very limited distribution area at risk. Probably also the competition of entrained Gambusia a serious threat dar.

System

In the genus Rheocles following species are described:

• Rheocles alaotrensis ( Pellegrin, 1914)
• Rheocles derhami Stiassny & Rodriguez, 2001
• Rheocles lateralis Stiassny & Reinthal, 1992
• Rheocles pellegrini ( Nichols & La Monte, 1931)
• Rheocles sikorae ( Sauvage, 1891)
• Rheocles vatosoa Stiassny, Rodriguez & Loiselle, 2002
• Rheocles wrightae Stiassny, 1990