The Breeder’s Registry© Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations from aquarist unless noted otherwise (see comments). Information may be reproduced providing the Breeder’s Registry is cited.

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Breeder ID: CYPVAR-020793-ROSMAR-001

Date received: 2/7/93

Identification: Cyprinodon variegatus (Lacepede, 1803)

Geographic origin: Western Atlantic

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Taxonomy: (after I.C.Z.N.)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata Subphylum Vertebrata

Class Osteichthyes

Order Cypriniformes Superorder Ostariophysi

Family Cyprinidae

Genus Cyprinodon

Species variegatus (Lacepede, 1803)

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Description: A member of the superorder Ostariophysi which comprises about 30% of all living fishes. Of which most are freshwater. Body shape varies but all have two common characteristics; 1). Modified first and second vertebrate which enables the fish to transmit sounds from the swim bladder to the inner ear, and 2). The ability to release a chemical substance from the skin when injured. See Physical Differences for description of this species.

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Duration male(yr): 7

Size male (mm): var

Duration female (yr): 7

Size female (mm): var

Broodstock notes: General population of 2 – 3 males and 5 – 8 females. Successfully cultured for 7 years.

Physical differences: Male; iridescent blue top of head, orange breast and pectoral fin. Black edge on caudal fin. Female; olive green to grey with darker vertical chain-like stripes. Black spot at rear base of dorsal fin.

Adult diet: Tetra® standard flake food, goldfish flake food, and frozen Artemia.

Pre-spawning activity: Males “claim” a 2″ x 6″ piece of floss attached to the bottom. Chases female to floss, swims sideways at female with fins spead. Males color is brilliant. Receptive female swims under floss followed by male.

Time spawning began: mostly AM

Area spawning occurred: Under floss pads

Frequency of spawning: daily Egg description: spherical and clear; individually pressed into floss

Approximate quantity: not indicated

Size: 1.5 mm

Egg changes / development: not indicated

Incubation period: 5 – 6 days @ 75-77F

Time hatching occurred: all day

Size of hatching larvae: 3 – 5 mm

Yolk sac present? No

Newly hatched appearance: Head 25% of body length. Variable clear to grey. No patterns

Transfer / removal method: not indicated

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Spawning tank size (liter): 37

Sides of tank covered? Algal growth

Lighting & photo period: Ambient room lighting 16 hours fluorescent

Filtration: Central system, undergarvel 15 GPH

Additives and dosages: none

Water temperature (F): 75

Specific gravity: 1.012

pH: 8.0

Nitrate: < 10 ppm

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Fry development / changes: Week 1 – 2; body fills out. Week 3; 5 – 8 mm, juvemnile stripes developing. Week 4; 8 – 10 mm, striped pattern develops. Can reach maturity at 2 – 3 months

First food offered: rotifers and newly hatched Artemia

Second food offered: Crushed flake food

Survival

1st week(%): 80%

2nd week: 60%

3rd week: 55%

4th week: 50%

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Rearing tank size : Same as above

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Comments: Currently Producing 500 – 1000 fish per day for toxicology studies. First noted by Lacepede 1803 as Cyprinus variegatus, collected in the Carolinas. Cyprinodon variegatus, artifrons, described by Hubbs 1936 from specimens collected in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Word Origin: Cyprinodon is from the Greek word cyprin, -o, =us, for carp. The species variegatus is from the Latin word variegat which means marked vigorously.

About this report: Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations. Taxonomy, Synonomy, Original description , Word origin and Suggested reading are provided by member(s) of The Breeder’s Registry staff. Information is presented under the belief that it is accurate. If you have information in addition to, or contrary to that presented you are encouraged to contact the Breeder’s Registry. Permission is granted for “one-time” personal use. Reproduction as distributed or accessible media is prohibited without prior written permission. All rights reserved. 1993