The type locality of Cynolebias altus is 25 km south to Ibotirama, Rio Sao Francisco floodplains, Bahia state, Brasil. It was first discovered by Wilson Costa, F. Pupo & E. Araujo in February 14 1999.

The name altus refers to the deepened bodyshape in males. (Latin: altus = high) Males do have also long filamentous finrays in the dorsal fin. This caracter separates the species, along other data, from its closest relatives like Cynolebias perforatus.

Breeding Cynolebias altus 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 members of the Cynolebias genus this one is seldom available under hobbyists.

Max. size 16.0 cm in males - fem.smaller.
Dorsal (average, male only ) 18.0,
Anal (average, male only ) 20.1,
D/A (average, male only ) 3.5,
LL scale count (average) 41.0
Pre- dorsal length to SL – 59.9 %
Depth to SL – 33.5 %

Vertebrae count (average) 35.5