Cualac tessellatus

[Matt Ford]

Here's the other species I have at the minute, another "ugly duckling" I'm afraid. It is critically endangered in the wild and I'm very lucky to have these. It comes from only one lake in Mexico, La Media Luna (translates as "half moon"). The lake is fed by karstic streams and is a popular spot with SCUBA divers and tourists hence the degradation of the species. Only the Vienna Zoo has been really successful in maintaining this species and the secret appears to be in adding gypsum (CaSO4) to the water.

There are 8 in total of which most are minute. This is the biggest, a juvie male at about 6mm. Adult male underneath. What you can't see in the pic is the gorgeous inky-blue colour in the caudal and dorsal fins. Once mine are a bit bigger I'll take some better shots.

[hwchoy]

oooo I love fancy critically endangered critters.

[Matt Ford]

Thanks Mr Choy (I think ).

[hwchoy]

Is this http://alanformstone.com/pics/media_luna.html the La Media Luna you are referring to? no wonder the wildlife has gone to hell!

[Matt Ford]

Yes that's the place. The Cualac tend to be found around the margins apparently so go figure huh?

[ranmasatome]

how can this be called ugly duckling?? hmm?? mr ford??

[hwchoy]

your perennial English understatement

[Matt Ford]

Ha guys I meant that the ones I have now are quite plain-looking but that they will blossom into beautiful fish later!

[hwchoy]

waffling!!!

[Matt Ford]

Another great English skill!