| Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Male | |
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Genus: | Brachyrhaphis |
| Species: | B. rhabdophora |
| Binomial name | |
| Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora, commonly known as the lace brachy, is a poeciliid fish from Costa Rica. [3]
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora is similar to B. roseni , with a shorter gonopodium than B. olomina . Rosen and Bailey (1963) considered B. olomina to be a synonym of B. rhabdophora. By 1998 Bussing had demonstrated that these two Brachyrhaphis populations should be treated as different species. [3]
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora grows to 6 cm (2.4 in). It has a straight or a slightly arched profile and up to 12 vertical stripes on the sides, which are more conspicuous in males and may be absent in large females. A half of the dorsal fin is yellow or orange, and the fin has a dark margin. The margin of the caudal fin is also yellow or orange; males additionally have a dark band before the margin. The anal fin is yellow with a dark blotch. [3] Females are larger than males and have a stronger build. [4]
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora prefers waters with low to moderate current and is only rarely found in fast flowing waters. The species primarily inhabits the surface and midwaters of creeks and brooks. [3] Its habitats are between 3 and 1,450 m (10 and 4,760 ft) above sea level. [5] These include highland streams and lagoons. [5] Temperature ranges from 22 to 32 °C (72 to 90 °F). [3]
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora is endemic to Costa Rica. It is found on the Pacific slope between the Parrita River drainage and the Térraba River. [3] The species has been recorded in Pirrís, Tusubres and Térraba River. [5] [6]
Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora feeds on insects. [3] It is also a voracious predator of its own young, [7] which makes aquarium breeding difficult. [4]