Finally we were able to import once more one of the most beautiful African tetras: Alestopetersius smykalai. The species originates from Nigeria and becomes only 5-6 cm long. So it is a perfect fish also for owners of comparatively small tanks. Due to the wonderful blue back of the males - which differ from the females also by the long dorsal fin and the completely different formed anal fin, which has a white border - it is called "Blue Diamond" in the hobby.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 100183 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only very rarely available!

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

 

A. smykalai is threatened by habitat degradation according to the IUCN Redlist of Endangered Species. The Niger Delta has suffered extensive environmental pollution and the crisis is still on going. The Niger Delta is endowed with immense natural resources, particularly crude oil, and in addition, Nigeria has the largest natural gas reserves in Africa. As a consequence, environmental problems arise from oil and gas-related development activities, oils spills, refinery operations, oil transportation, gas flaring, dredging of canals and land taken for the construction of facilities. Areas near such outfalls are subjected to chronic pollution, which is of significance for fish resources and fisheries (Laë et al. 2004). Construction of dams along the Niger River during the last 25 years has significantly disrupted the hydrological balance of the lower Niger River (Bustamante 2002). Population pressure and agricultural land degradation also exacerbate biodiversity losses in the region as they induce people to expand agricultural production and increase fishing pressure (Bustamante 2002).

 

In addition to habitat degradation, it is possible that A. smykalai is negatively affected by introduced species. In Nigeria, nine species were introduced since the 1970s, mainly for aquaculture. The ecological effects of these introduced species are unknown (Laë et al. 2004).