Synonyme to: Cynolebias porosus.

This large species was discovered by Gilberto Campello Brasil & S.C. Alencar on May 17 1989. Its distribution is located in the states Bahia and Pernambuco in Brasil. More specific the Rio Sao Franciscus Basin between Corobo and Juazeiro. There it can be found together with Simpsonichthys flagellatus, Simpsonichthys hellneri and Simpsonichthys magnificus and it is known that Cynolebias albipunctatus is predating on the Simpsonichthys species.

The name refers to the numerous small white spots that are seen on the flanks of males. (Latin: Albus = white) and (Latin: punctatus = with points.)

Costa (2001) considered C. porosus and C. albipunctatus as distinct species, the former known only from the holotype collected in “Pernambuco”, and the latter endemic to the São Francisco basin. Cynolebias albipunctatus was mainly distinguished from C. porosus by the former lacking scales on the anal fin, whereas the only known specimen of the latter has scales extending slightly over the middle of the anal-fin base. Material recently collected near Santa Maria da Boa Vista, Pernambuco, revealed that both morphological conditions are present in this population, besides agreeing well with the other characters described by Steindachner. Costa (2001) suspected that the type specimen was collected near the coastal city of Recife, but after some decades studying Cynolebias, species of this group have been broadly recorded only for the savannahs distant from the coast, never in the coastal Atlantic forest area.

However, although that part of the Caatinga was poorly known to naturalists at the time of Steindachner’s description, studies indicate that a seasonal fish of the genus Cynolebias from the São Francisco river basin in Pernambuco state was already known among local naturalists during the second half of the 19th century, who frequently were in contact and sent study material to European naturalists (e. g. Rosado & Silva, 2001). Consequently, C. porosus is considered endemic to the São Francisco river basin in Pernambuco state and an adjacent part of Bahia state, whereas C. albipunctatus is herein placed in the synonymy of C. porosus. ( Costa's paper from 2014)

Breeding Cynolebias albipunctatus is not for inexperienced hobbyists. The species becomes relative large and need special attention in feeding and storing the eggs. Food demand is high as the species need to grow to adulthood within a few months and eggs need to be stored under very cool circumstances in wich a frigidaire could become a good tool.

As they live in stagnant pools and flooded areas that often are muddy and at the end of the rainy season around may and june becomes highly turbid, the water should be not low in pH. Temperature range can vary from 20 to 35 C.

Reproduction is best with one male and a number of big females. Tank need at least contain 60 liters and provide shelter for the females as male can be very agressive. Also females are known to be agressive to each other. Put a high container filled with neutral pH material like Coco peat or clay (or a mix of it) for spawning.

Eggs are 2.2 mm in diameter and need about 4 to 5 months to develop. Juveniles that grow faster than others should be separated from the smaller ones immediately as they prey on them.

Remarks :

As with almost all other species this one is seldom available under hobbyists.

Max. size 15.0 cm.
Dorsal (average male only)17.0,
Anal (average male only) 20.5,
D/A (average male only) 4.0,
LL scale count (average)39,5
Pre- dorsal length to % SL – 59,3 %
Depth to % SL – 32,1 %