Alternative name Laimosemion sape.

Rivulus sape, is described from two tributaries of the upper Paragua River, Caroní River drainage, of the Guyana Shield in Venezuela.

It is a small (all specimens examined less than 50 mm SL), apparently non-annual species that is distinguished from congeners in having the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins short; adult males with a truncate caudal fin with the upper and lower borders black; and an iridescent blue, ovate spot on sides of the body above the pectoral fins. Neither adults nor juveniles have an ocellus at the dorsal junction of the caudal peduncle and caudal fin. Only one contact organ per scale on some scales along the sides of the body was observed. Known only from the type locality and surrounding area within the Paragua River system of the upper Caroni River drainage, Orinoco River basin, within Bolívar State, Venezuela. Documented localities include two small tributaries of the Ichún River, which flows into the Paragua River, and Waimesapakén Creek, also a tributary of the upper Paragua.

Rivulus sape was collected from isolated pools (about 5 cm depth) of the flooded margins of small clear-water creeks situated over a sandy to muddy substrate with abundant leaf litter.

The water temperature was 24°C; the pH was acidic (between 4.5 and 5.2) and saturated with oxygen (7.3 to 7.4 mg/l); with very low conductivity (between 9.8
and 16.3 microsiemens/cm). This species is named to honor the local indigenous people of the Sapé tribe, inhabitants of the upper Paragua River system, Caroní River drainage, where the fish was collected.

Source: Original description.

Keeping and breeding is easy but a good cover of the aquarium is necessary because there ability to jump, even true the smallest opening, is unbelievable.

This species can, if there is enough space for them, housed in a tank with more males than one only and several females. If separated before and brought together again however, they can be very agressive to each other and fight to become dominant to others. The best way to have much offspring is to put a pair or an trio in a small tank from 10 liters with a small filter in it or with some airation. On the bottom some peat moss or dark gravel and a floating "mop" to give space for laying there eggs. The fish will, if they become a rich varity of life food, spawn during there whole adult life and produce daily between 5 to 15 eggs.

The eggs should be collected by hand and stored for about 14 days in a small container. Eggs are 1.6 mm and amber colored. It is wise, to add to the water you store the eggs in, some acryflavine to provent fungus coming up.

After hatching the young fry can eat fresh artemia nauplii without any problem. It takes 4 to 5 months to raise them to maturity. Often the number of males is far above the number of females. For some species this can become a major problem for the breeder as he has to raise many young fishes and so become able to distribute a few pairs to other hobbyists. Recent personal tests laerned that lower pH levels during the time of hatching gave a higher percentage of females. To achieve this I use some peat moss that I add to the container with the egss just before they are ready to hatch. This peat moss also is a good way to prevent eggs to become attact by fungusses.

There lifespan can be up to 3 years in captivity.

Remarks :

Max. size 5.5 cm.
Dorsal 7.5,
Anal 11.5,
D/A 6.5,
LL scale count (average)34.5
Pre- dorsal length to % SL – 73.5 %
Depth to % SL – 20.6 %