Refers to the mosaic pattern on the body

Huber J.H. 1976.

Un nouveau Killi du Gabon nord-oriental, Aphyosemion abacinum nov. spec. (Atheriniforme, Cyprinodontidé, Rivuliné).

Revue francaise de'Aquariologie 3 (3): 79-82.

Males 3·5 - 4, females 3 - 3·5cm. Total length.

D = 9-10, A = 10-12, D/A = 1-2/1, ll = 31-34 (Huber 1976)

D = 9-10, A = 10-12, ll = 31-33 (after Radda & Purzl 1987)

• Aphyosemion (Diapteron) abacinum Huber 1980
• Diapteron abacinum Seegers 1980

Populations

• Makokou
• Malassa
• Mayéa
• Mékambo (north east Gabon)
• BBS 99-01
• BBS 99-03
• BBS 99-04
• CBG 92 / 11
• GBB 92 / 10
• GBG 92-10
• GBG 92-11
• GBG 92-12
• GBG 92-13
• GBG 92-15
• PEG 94-01 - The sawmill
• PEG 98-06

Approximately 30 km north (north east?) of Mékambo, Ivindo Basin, north eastern Gabon.

A fairly limited distribution area on the watershed of the Djoua & Djadie Rivers in northeastern Gabon.

Two reports seem to contradict - Appears to dislike flowing water as they are reportedly found in slow flowing - swampy brooks in rainforest. They are found close to the banks among overhanging grasses and fallen leaves from the rainforest.
+ The stream was fast flowing near the watershed of the Djadié and Djoua rivers. Water width .3 - 5 metres. Depth in dry seasom max .3 m. Air temperature was 23°C, water temperature 20.5°C. pH: 6; hardness TH less than 0.5° French. The fish were near the banks in a very quiet area, lined with fallen leaves and of maximum depth. of 15 cm where they are sympatric with Aphyosemion splendidum. (From KCF material).

Discovered by Huber on a collection trip July / August 1976 30 km north of Mékambo. Date of collection 22nd August. Dr.Huber used a bicycle to travel down a track where he discovered this new sp. A male from this collection was given to Lothar Seegers to photograph. On the strength of these photos 'phenomenal prices' were being offered in the USA.
H.Heinemann & R.Lenz collected in Gabon at the end of 1979 & beginning of 1980. This was at the time of the rainy season. They were extremely fortunate to find fish which were brought back alive to Germany. At first these were thought to be A.seegersi but Huber confirmed them to be A.abacinum.

I kept this sp. in the early '80's but must confess to not doing very well with them. In fact, Diapteron sp. are not my strong point.

In 'World of Killies' by Wildekamp the author suggests a pH of 5.5 - 7.0 & soft water of 35-125 ppm. The base should be dark. Various methods can be used including picking the eggs off & putting them into a container containing tank water with a fungal inhibitor such as Acriflavine. Eggs incubated in water hatch in about 20 days.

Another method is to put the eggs on top of damp peat & wet them in 3 weeks. Alternatively the base of the tank can be made up of peat or coconut fibre which can be taken out & stored in a damp state for 3 weeks before wetting.

On hatching the fry are capable of taking newly hatched brine shrimp. Water changes of 90% are recommended for good growth rate. Sexing out occurs after 6 months.

Not a very productive sp.

In 1999 this sp. was seen at auctions in the UK.

Crossing experiments to date :-

• A.abacinum x A.cyanostictum. No fertile offspring.
• A.abacinum x A.georgiae. No fertile offspring.
• A.abacinum x A.fulgens. Viable offspring. Males show an A.abacinum body patterning with orange bands in the caudal fin similar to A.fulgens.