Scolichthys

Scolichthys is a two types of species of the viviparous livebearers. The distribution of the species is limited to a few river headwaters in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz.

Features

It is small permanent representative of the live-bearing tooth carp. The larger type, Scolichthys greenwayi, reaches a length of up to 5 cm, Scolichthys iota is a maximum of 3.5 cm. In both species, the males remain significantly smaller than females. Genus is typical of a thorn -shaped extension at the top of Gonopodiums.

Dissemination

Both species have been detected only in Guatemala in the department of Alta Verapaz. Scolichthys greenwayi inhabited the headwaters of the Río Chixoy. Scolichthys iota is only known from the Río Chajmayic.

System

The fish are similar in appearance to the members of the tribe Cnesterodontini with the genera Cnesterodon, Phalloceros and Phallotorynus, but which are known only from the southeastern South America. Because of this geographical isolation presented roses in his first description the genus in its own tribe Scolichthyini. Molecular genetic studies indicate close that Scolichthys is closely related to Carlhubbsia.

Species

• Greenways and mosquito fish ( Scolichthys greenwayi Rosen, 1967)
• Scolichthys iota Roses, 1967