Fish Discoveries

This colorful fish was named in honor of the Ye’kuana indigenous peoples who live in the Caura basin. It was discovered in the Kakada river, a tributary of the Caura surrounded by pristine tropical forest. At only 50.7 millimeters (2 inches) in length, this brilliantly colored fish is characterized by a blood-red tail.

Fish species such as this can be found on the sheltered side of islands and backwaters of main rivers, as well as on sandy bottoms with rocks and have been observed near the mouths of muddy streams.  Their diet tends to be quite varied and includes worms, tiny insects and crustaceans.  They also tend to school with other tetras for security.

Scientific Name

Aphyocharax yekwanae

Where

The Caura River Basin in Bolívar State, Venezuela

When

Nov/Dec 2000

Field Notes

This fish is not considered particularly vulnerable

Finder/s

Philip W. Willink, Barry Chernoff & Antonio Machado-Allison