The genus Brycon comprises around 45 species, which are distributed across large parts of South and Central America. They hardly play a role in aquaristics, but are very important as food fish. They are medium-sized to large fish. The smallest species belong to the B. pesu complex (approx. 16 cm standard length, i.e. without caudal fin), while the largest – whose impressive appearance captivates the eye in underwater photographs and shapes our perception of Brycon species in general – can reach a standard length of over 70 cm.
The species Brycon pesu was scientifically described as early as 1845. Since then, all smaller Brycon species with a black caudal fin band and/or black adipose fin from Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela have been called “Brycon pesu”. It has been firmly assumed for decades that this is not a single species, but a species complex. The actual Brycon pesu would then probably only occur in the Guyana Shield. We have now received Brycon from the complex around B. pesu from the Araguaia/Tocantins basin in Brazil for the first time. The B. cf. pesu occurring there were only recently examined in a scientific paper (Panarari-Antunes et al, 2008). It was found that the two different color types of “Brycon pesu” from this water system are actually two different, genetically clearly representable species. One species has a red stripe in the anal fin as a clear external distinguishing mark, the other does not.
Unfortunately, we received the species without red stripes (the other one would certainly be even more attractive). We named it Brycon cf. pesu1 according to the suggestion in Panarari-Antunes et al. This Brycon may not have particularly striking colors, but in our opinion it is still an enrichment for the hobby. Tetras of this medium size class, which enliven an aquarium with medium-sized cichlids and catfish, are rather rare. There is not too much to say about the care requirements of Brycon cf. pesu1. They are lively schooling fish, playful and peaceful. As this is a first import, we are not yet able to provide any long-term experience. Our animals willingly accept any common ornamental fish food, the water temperature can be between 22 and 25°C, probably a little higher is also possible. Other fish species from the Araguaia/Tocantins have shown good adaptability to different water parameters (pH and hardness). In nature, the water there is soft and slightly acidic. The aquarium for Brycon species must be well covered, as they are excellent jumpers.
For our customers: the animals have code 212713 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Literature:
Panarari-Antunes, R. S., Prioli, A. J., Prioli, S. M. A. P., Júlio Jr, H. F., Agostinho, C. S., & L. M. Prioli (2008): Molecular variability in Brycon cf. pesu Müller and Troschel, 1845 (Characiformes: Characidae) from the Araguaia-Tocantins basin. Genetics and Molecular Research, 7(1), 95-106.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
