Phenacogrammus
Phenacogrammus Eigenmann, 1907
Phenacogrammus is distinguished from all other Petersiini by the combination of the following characters:
If we consider these three features, we state that two of them cannot be apllied to P. polli and P. bleheri. Therefore, it seems these two last species have an uncertain generic status. According to Zanata & Vari (2005), the three species of Phenacogrammus examined in their study share only one synapomorphy: “Lateral line distinctly reduced and with number of scales lacking laterosensory canal and pore greater than number of scales with thosestructures”. This character is different (lateral line complete) in P. bleheri. In fact, by several characters, it seems that the species “bleheri” belongs rather to the genus Alestopetersius. At the moment, and looking forward new and supplementary studies, we will continue to include provisionally P. polli and P. bleheri species within Phenacogrammus.
Body form is moderately robust, males tend to be deeper bodied than females. The genus comprises nine species.
Synonyms
Petersius Boulenger, 1899 (partim)
Micralestes Boulenger, 1899 (partim)
Hemigrammalestes Pellegrin, 1926 (partim)
Hemigrammopetersius Pellegrin, 1929 (partim)
Brycinus Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1849 (partim)
Micralestes (Phenacogrammus) Myers, 1929
Alestopetersius (Petersialestes) Hoedeman, 1951 (partim)
Alestopetersius (Phenocogrammus) Hoedeman, 1951 (partim)
Phenacogrammus (Phenacogrammus) Hoedeman, 1956 (partim)
Virilia Roberts, 1967 (partim)
Type species: Phenacogrammus interruptus
Micralestes interruptus Boulenger, 1899 by subsequent designation of Myers, 1929.
Currently, nine species are assigned to the genus Phenacogrammus.
Key to species.
1 6½-7½ scales in transverse row between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; 34-37 scales along lateral line...........................2
4½-5½ scales in transverse row between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; 18-31 scales along lateral line...........................3
2 No humeral spot...............................................................................................................................................P. polli
Very large and conspicuous vertical black humeral spot...................................................................................P. bleheri
3 26-31 scales along lateral line....................................................................................................................................4
18-26 scales along lateral line....................................................................................................................................5
4 A large black band restricted to the posterior third of the trunk; dark humeral spot present................................P. deheyni
A narrow black band beginning behind the opercle widening slightly from dorsal fin level to the end of the caudal peduncle;
no humeral spot.......................................................................................................................................P. taeniatus
5 Body depth 3.2-3.5 times in standard length; caudal peduncle 1.1 times as depth as long; adipose dorsal fin broad and
rounded.......................................................................................................................................................P. major
Body depth 2.6-3.2 times in standard length; caudal peduncle 0.8-1.1 times as depth as long; adipose dorsal fin normal
..............................................................................................................................................................................6
6 18 scales along longitudinal line............................................................................................................P. stigmatura *
At least 20 scales along longitudinal line....................................................................................................................7
7 Flanks with indistinct band, sometimes without band.................................................................................P. interruptus
Flanks with intense black band, sometimes limited to the posterior part, from the origin of the anal fin to the caudal fin.....8
8 21-25 scales along longitudinal line; flanks with broad midlateral band from opercle to posterior margin of median caudal fin
rays....................................................................................................................................................P. aurantiacus
26-28 scales along longitudinal line; flanks with intense pigment band from through anal fin origin to posterior margin of
median caudal fin rays.............................................................................................................................P. urotaenia
* doubtful species
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus aurantiacus (Pellegrin, 1930)
Types and type localities
Hemigrammopetersius aurantiacus Pellegrin, 1930: 206. Type locality: “Rivière Sangha, basin du Congo (Congo) et rivière Lali, basin du Kouilou (Congo).” Syntypes: MNHN29-144.
Hemigrammopetersius trilobatus Pellegrin, 1931: 207-208. Type locality: “Lali”. Syntypes: MNHN 30-249-250.
Phenacogrammus heterodontus Poll, 1945: 56-60. Type locality: “Kunungu”. Holottype: MRAC 44610; paratypes: MRAC 31487-31488.
Synonyms
Hemigrammopetersius aurantiacus Pellegrin, 1930
Hemigrammopetersius trilobatus Pellegrin, 1931
Phenacogrammus heterodontus Poll, 1945
Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Poll, 1948
Common names
Estonian: Oranž pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 2.6-3.15 (2.65-3) and head length 3.65-4 (3.5-4) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/0-2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [4/4-7 (upper jaw), 3-5/0-1 (lower jaw). Dorsal fin: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,17-19 (III,17-19). Dorsal and caudal fins with more or less extended rays. Gill rakers: 10-13 (11-12). Scales: 21-24+1-2 (21-22) (longitudinal line); 4½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below laterlal line) (4½/3½); 10 around caudal peduncle. Lateral line scales: 7-12 (7-8) tubes. According to Géry (1995), the presence of a pair of inner dentary teeth is inconsistent; they are obviously in the process of regression: those teeth, very small when they are present, are lacking on both sides of 9 specimens (55 examined) and on one side in almost half of the remaining fish (46 specimens).
In some populations the adult males have the first dorsal rays filamentous, reaching at !east the adipose and even the middle of the caudal. Conversely, in other population from Gabon for example, the middle caudal rays of the adult males are never prolonged (Géry, 1995). ln some populations, the males have also a filamentous median caudal "lobe". So, it seems that P. aurantiacus is a polymorphie species in at !east two characters: the inner mandibulary teeth and the filamentous caudal of the males. The second character, the absence or presence of filamentous middle caudal rays, is possibly, as in P. interruptus, correlated with the presence or absence of fin-eaters (lchthyboridae) living with the Alestinae. Another explanation of the caudal polymorphism of the males would be that only the dominant males develop a third caudal lobe, such males being absent (or not caught) in certain samples. (Géry, 1995).
Maximum reported size: 97 mm SL.
Colour: a large lateral black band appears in mature male, extending from the posterior edge of the operculum up to median caudal rays. Humeral mark more or less visible. Fins are hyalin or greyish, sometimes with a black margin. According to Géry (1995), in life, the adult males had the body ornamented with a broad, median, longitudinal, blue-green band, with a red band above it; the pupil, the pectoral and dorsal bases, the adipose and caudal were more or less deep crimson, the pelvics and the anal fin bright orange. After preservation, the longitudinal band is of a lighter brown colour than figured in the literature, and continued as a narrower band on the middle caudal rays; there is an oval humeral spot, also rather diffuse and not very deep, and a conspicuous opercular spot which may be characteristic; the first pectoral, pelvic, dorsal and caudal rays are brown or grey, as is, generally, the anal fin border; the pattern after preservation does not differ between sexes.
Distribution
Ogowe River basin (Gabon), Kouilou River basin (Republic of the Congo) and Congo River basin (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (see also Faunafri).
The species is widespread without major threats throughout central Africa and is assessed as Least Concern.
Major threats none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus bleheri Géry, 1995
Type and type locality
Phenacogrammus bleheri Géry, 1995: 52-55, fig. 34-35. Type locality: “Zaïre, Equateur province, Oubangui basin, small tributary of Bari River, a feeder of the Lua River, 74 km on the road Bozene to Gemena”. Holotype: MHNG 2572.09; paratypes MTD F 27525 [ex G. 971a-d (G. is the personal collection of J. Géry)].
Common names
Estonian: Bleheri pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 2.6-3.2 and head length 3.25-3.55 in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/0 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [2-3/4-7 (upper jaw), 3-6/0 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin more or less filamentous, II,8. Anal fin III,18-19. Pectoral fins almost reach the pelvic fins, which reach over the first anal fin ray. Gill rakers: 23-25. Scales 35-37 + 1-2 (longitudinal line); 7½ (above lateral line)/2½ (below lateral line); 11-13 predorsal scales and 12 around caudal peduncle.
Maximum reported size: 63 mm SL.
Colour: in life, there is .a bluish-violet, iridescent sheen over the whole body, unusual in teleosts, reminding one of the famous "neon tetras", or the neon rainbow fish (Melanotaenia praecox). After preservation a very large and conspicuous, vertical humeral spot develops. Some dark marks on the fins also develop: on the first pectoral and caudal fin rays, on the middle of the pelvic and caudal rays, and on the adipose fin; there is also a submarginal anal fin band going from the middle of the anterior rays to the tip of the middle rays, outlined in white. Red diffuse spots persist on the middle of each caudal lobe and on the middle of the dorsal fin, and the eye bluish.No longitudinal band, no peduncular or caudal fin band, but the tip of the middle rays of the caudal fin, as well as the anal fin base, are darkened.
Distribution
Only known from the type locality, Ubangi basin, small tributary of Bari river, a feeder of the Lua River, 74 km on the road Bozene to Gemena (Ddemocratic Republic of the Congo) (see also Faunafri).
Phenacogrammus bleheri is only known from the type locality, a small tributary of the Bari River, Ubangui River basin, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species may be more widespread than is currently known. More information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made.
Major threats: none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus deheyni Poll, 1945
Type and type locality
Phenacogrammus deheyni Poll, 1945: 54-56, fig. 8. Type locality: “Mumbia, territoire de Lisala”. Holotype: MR C 57789; paratypes: MRAC 38325, 41864, 57540, 57585, 62169.
Synonyms
Hemigrammalestes interruptus (non Boulenger) (partim) David & Poll, 1937
Common names
Estonian: Pruun pikkuimsalmler
Finnish: Pronssikongontetra
German: Brauner Kongosalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 3.15-3.8 (3.4-3.6) and head length 3.4-3.75 (3.4-4) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3-5/3-7 (upper jaw), 2-5/1 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin non-filamentous: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,16-19 (II-III,16-19). Caudal fin with extended median rays. Gill rakers: 11-13 (12-13). Scales: 26-30+1-2 (27-29) (longitudinal line); 4½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below lateral line) (4½/3½); 10 around lateral line. Lateral line scales: 6-8 (6-7) tubes.
Maximum reported size: 58 mm SL.
Colour: after preservation, the general coloration is brownish, darker in dorsal regions. There is a black longitudinal band on flanks from the head to the caudal fin, darker backward and more marked in males. This black lateral band extends to the tail and the median caudal filament in male. There is also a dark humeral spot more or less visible above the pectoral fins. All fins are greyish to blackish.
Distribution
Middle Congo River, Ruki drainage, Mongala and Aruwimi, in Democratic Republic of the Congo (see also Faunafri).
The species is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern.
Major threats: none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus interruptus (Boulenger, 1899)
Type and type locality
Micralestes interruptus Boulenger, 1899: 88-89, pl. XXVI, fig. 6. Type locality: “Stanley-Pool”. Syntypes: MRAC 716-817.
Synonyms
Micralestes interruptus Boulenger, 1899
Phenacogrammus interruptus Eigenmann & Ogle, 1907
Hemigrammalestes interruptus Pellegrin, 1926
Micralestes (Phenacogrammus) interruptus Myers, 1929
Alestopetersius (Phenacogrammus) interruptus Hoedeman, 1951
Alestopetersius interruptus Hoedeman, 1951
Phenacogrammus (Phenacogrammus) interruptus Hoedeman, 1956
Common names
Danish: Almindelig congotetra
English: Congo tetra (global)
Estonian: Viker-kongosalmler/ Viker-pikkuimsalmler
Finnish: Kongontetra
German: Kongosalmler
Polish: Swiecik kongijski
Swedish: Kongotetra
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 2.6-3.2 (3) and head length 3.4-3.8 (3.3-3.5) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3-5/5-9 (upper jaw), 3-8/1-3 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin filamentous or not: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,19-21 (IV,17-18). Caudal fin with or without extended rays. Gill rakers: 11-12 (12). Scales 20-22+1-2 (21-23) (longitudinal line); 4½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below lateral line) (4½/3½); 10 around lateral line. Lateral line scales: 8-13 (7-13) tubes (see table below).
Phenacogrammius interruptus: morphometric and meristic data.
Maximum reported size: 112 mm SL.
Colour: a thin black lateral line more or less visible, subjacent to a dark band more or less noticeable. A humeral mark more or less noticeable. Body scales darkened to their base.
Habitat and ecology
P. interruptus is a benthopelagic species. It feeds on worms, small insects, crustaceans and plant matter (Mills & Vevers 1989). In a tank, after vigorous driving by the male, the female lays up to 300 eggs, sometimes more, which sink to the bottom. The eggs hatch after about 6 days (Mills & Vevers, 1989).
Distribution
Lower and middle Congo River basin in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo (see also Faunafri).
P. interruptus has been assessed as Least Concern as it has a wide range, with no known major widespread threats.
Major treats: this species is collected commercially for the aquarium trade.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus major (Boulenger, 1903)
Type and type locality
Petersius major Boulenger, 1903: 326. Type locality : “Ja River (Congo System)”. Syntypes: BMNH 1903.7.28:221-222.
Synonym
Petersius major Boulenger, 1903
Hemigrammopetersius major Pellegrin, 1926
Micralestes major Trewavas, 1936
Phenacogrammus major Poll, 1945
Alestopetersius (Phenacogrammus) major major Hoedeman, 1951
Phenacogrammus (Phenacogrammus) major major Hoedeman, 1959
Common names
Estonian: Kameruni pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 3.2-3.5 (2.25-2.5) and head length 3.6-3.85 (4) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3/5-7 (upper jaw), 4-6/1 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,18-21, (III,18-19). Dorsal and caudal fins without any extended rays. Gill rakers: 10-14 (12-15). Scales: 22-25+1-2 (24-26) (longitudinal line); 4½-5½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below lateral line) (4½/3½); 10 around caudal peduncle. Lateral line scales: 8-14 (11-15) tubes.
Maximum reported size: 95 mm SL.
Colour: a wide black band limited to lower part of the caudal peduncle and extending to the caudal fin median rays. A black humeral mark. Scales of the dorsal region are more or less darkened to their base. Fins are hyalin or greyish.
Affinities: P. major, P. urotaenia and H. pulcher are closed and have several common morphologic characters and the identifications between these species is sure only when we oberve adult males (see figure below). Concerning H. pulcher, Géry (1995) thinks moreover that it best to include pulcher within Phenacogrammus.
Males’ silhouettes of P. major, P. urotaenia and H. pulcher showing the main distinctive characters between the three species (here reduced to the same size for a more easy comparison) (redrawn from Amiet & Nzeyimana, 1990).
The differences between P. major and P. urotaenia are not always clear because the two species are very closed, nevertheless they can be distinguished by a number of characters, especially chromatic ones (see table below).
Distinctive characters of P. major and P. urotaenia (Amiet & Nzeyimana, 1990).
Distribution
Lower Guinean province, in Ntem, Nyong and Sanaga River basins (Cameroon); also in Dja (Sangha) basin (Cameroon and Democratic Republic of the Congo). Also reported from Rio Muni (Roman, 1971: certainly a doubtful identification) (see also Faunafri).
The species is widespread and without major threats, and is therefore assessed as Least Concern.
Major threats: none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus polli Lambert, 1961
Type and type locality
Phenacogrammus polli Lambert, 1961: 17-18. Type locality: “Lomela”. Holotype: MRAC 15500.
Commmon names
Estonian: Polli pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 3.7-4.3 (4.45) and head length 3.4-3.75 (4) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3/3-5 (upper jaw), 3-5/1 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,17-19, (III,16). Dorsal and caudal fins without extended rays. Gill rakers: 11-12 (12). Scales: 35-37+1-2 (34) (longitudinal line); 6½-7½ (above)/3½ (below) (7½/3½); 12-14 around caudal peduncle. Lateral line scales: 7-9 (6) tubes.
Maximum reported size: 32 mm SL.
Colour: a blackish longitudinal band on flanks, more marked on the caudal peduncle and extending in a blotch on the caudal fin base and median rays. Fins are hyalin.
Distribution
Middle Congo River basin in the Ruki drainage, Lomami and Lindi-Tshopo, in Democratic Republic of the Congo. (see also Faunafri).
The species is widespread or without major threats throughout the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern.
Major threats: none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus stigmatura (Fowler, 1936)
Type and type locality
Micralestes stigmatura Fowler, 1936: 257, fig. 9. Type locality: “Kribi, Cameroon”. Holotype: ANSP 65557.
Synonyms
Micralestes stigmatura Fowler, 1936
Phenacogrammus stigmatura Poll, 1945
Alestopetersius (Phenacogrammus) stigmatura Hoedeman, 1951
Phenacogrammus (Phenacogrammus) stigmatura Hoedeman, 1959
Common names
Estonian: Kribi pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth (2.8) and head length (3) in SL. Dental formula: [type: 8/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number not indicated. Dorsal fin: (II,8 + 1). Anal fin: (III,18 + 1). Dorsal and caudal fins with non-extended rays. Gill rakers: (11). Scales: (18 + 2) (longitudinal line); 4½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below lateral line). Lateral line scales: (8) tubes.
Maximum reported size: 54 mm SL.
Colour: a mid-lateral black band. A clear rounded black mark at the base of the lower caudal-fin lobe. Fins are greyish.
Remark: doubtful species (Poll, 1967a; Géry, 1977)
Distribution
Only known by the holotype from the Kribi River, Cameroon (see also Faunafri).
Phenacogrammus stigmatura is only known from 30 km east of Kribi, Kienké River, Cameroon. The species may be more widespread than is currently known. More information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made.
Major threats: there is no information available on threats to this species.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus taeniatus Géry, 1996
Type and type locality
Phenacogrammus taeniatus Géry, 1996: 5-7, fig. 1-4. Type locality: “at the forestry of the SEFAX (Libongo village) on the Sangha River, ca. 160 km east of Lokomo, Boumba & Ngoko Dept., Cameroon, approximately 16°5'E and 2°45'N.”. Holotype MHNG. 2583.28. Paratype : Coll. pers. J.G. 997-1.
Common names
Estonian: Triip-pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 3.05-3.10 and head length 3.65 in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/0 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3/5-7 (upper jaw), 6 (lower jaw). Dorsal fin origating slightly behind midpoint of body: II,8, the first rays slightly prolonged in the holotype. Anal fin: III,18. Gill rakers: 10-13 (11-12). Scales: 31 + 1 (longitudinal line); 5½-6½ (above lateral line)/2½ (below lateral line); 12 around caudal peduncle. Lateral line scales complete.
Phenacogrammus taeniatus: morphometric and meristic data.
Maximum reported size: 40 mm SL.
Colour: in life, pale olive on the back and flanks and yellowish-whitish on the abdomen, with the lips black, the top of the head and the part above the opercle with dense black chromatophores, and sprinkled with many tiny iridescent golden spots. A narrow black longitudinal band, beginning a few scales behind the opercle as a line, widening slightly from dorsal level to the end of the caudal peduncle, then spreading onto the middle caudal rays. Fins not coloured, except for the base of the caudal lobes and the first anal rays, which are pale yellowish. After preservation there is no humeral spot; the black line, which characteristically extends onto the middle caudal rays is emphasized as usual by the formalin. Fins without black markings other than the central caudal band and a slightly darkening of the external caudal rays.
Affinities: P. taeniatus differs from all other known Petersiini in the narrow band which continues onto the middle caudal rays. It seems to be rather close to Alestopetersius smykalai (Poll, 1967), a Nigerian species. Apart from the colour pattern, P. taeniatus differs from A. smykalai in having a shorter head (head length 3.55 in SL vs 3.7-3.9), a smaller eye (eye 2.75 2.80 in head length vs 2.35-2.6), more scales (31-32 total in a longitudinal series vs 27-29, 31 perforated vs 23-26, and 12 around caudal peduncle vs 10) and fewer gal rakers (13 on the lower part of the first arch vs 15- 16).
Distribution
Only known from the type locality: Libongo village on the Sangha River, ca. 160 km east of Lokomo, Boumba & Ngoko Dept., Carneroon, approximately 16°5’E and 2°45’N (see also Faunafri).
Phenacogrammus taeniatus is only known from the type locality Libongo village in the middle Sangha River, Central Congo River basin, Cameroon. The species may be more widespread than is currently known. More information is needed on the species distribution before an assessment can be made.
Major threats: none known.
Bibliography
Phenacogrammus urotaenia (Boulenger, 1909)
Type and type locality
Micralestes urotaenia Boulenger, 1909: 228-229, fig. 172. Type locality: “Kribi River at Efulen”. Syntypes: BMNH 1903.7.28:136-139.
Synonyms
Micralestes urotaenia Boulenger, 1909
Hemigrammalestes urotaenia Pellegrin, 1926
Phenacogrammus urotaenia Poll, 1945
Alestopetersius (Phenacogrammus) major urotaenia Hoedeman, 1951
Phenacogrammus (Phenacogrammus) major urotaenia Hoedeman, 1959
Common names
Estonian: Juttsaba-pikkuimsalmler
Description
Diagnosis: body depth 2.7 (2.65-3) and head length 3.75 (4) in SL. Dental formula: [4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)], [type: 4/8 (upper jaw), 8/2 (lower jaw)]. Cuspids number: [3-4/4-7 (upper jaw), 3-5/1 (lower jaw)]. Dorsal fin: II,8 (II,8). Anal fin: III,18 (III,15-16). Dorsal and caudal fins without extended rays. Gill rakers: 12 (12). Scales: 26+2 (25-27) (longitudinal line); 4½-5½ (above lateral line)/3½ (below lateral line) (4½-5½/3½); 10 around caudal peduncle. Lateral line scales: 13 (10-16) tubes.
Maximum reported size: 65 mm SL.
Colour: a wide black band restricted to the lower region of the caudal peduncle and extending to the median rays of the caudal-fin origin. A black humeral mark. Fins are hyalin.
Affinities: see P. major.
Distribution
Lower Guinea endemic species restricted to the Ntem and Ogowe River basins of Cameroon to Gabon (see also Faunafri).
The species is widespread within the Central Africa assessment region and is assessed as Least Concern.
Major threats: no information available on threats to this species.
Bibliography
