Simpsonichthys punctulatus is belonging to the so called "eastern clade" that is endemic to the area between the upper tributaries of the western rio Sao Francisco basin and the upper tributaries of the rio Paranaiba basin in altidudes of about 900 - 1000 m including S. boitonei, S. santanae and S. zonatus.

The species was discovered by W. Costa, C. Bove B. Costa and G. Brasil, january 24 2007. It was found in a temporary swamp adjacent to a stream, tributary to rio Bezerra, rio Preto drainage, rio Sao francisco basin near the road BR-020, 15.33'1.0" S 47.10'33.2" W atidude 901 m.

Simpsonichthys punctulatus, new species, collected in a seasonal swamp of the upper rio Paracatu drainage, rio São Francisco basin, central Brazil, is described. It is a member of the eastern clade of the subgenus Simpsonichthys, which also includes S. boitonei, S. santanae and S. zonatus, and is diagnosed by pectoral fin red with blue spots in males. Simpsonichthys punctulatus is distinguished from all other species of the subgenus Simpsonichthys by the presence of longitudinal rows of light blue dots on flank in males and a long filamentous ray on tip of dorsal fin in males.

S. punctulatus is diagnosed by its longitudinal rows of light blue dots on flank in males (vs. absence) and a long filamentous ray on tip of Dorsal fin in males, reaching the posterior portion of Caudal fin (vs. reaching basal portion of Caudal fin 

The care and breeding of species of the genus Simpsonichthys is for advanced enthusiasts. Propagation is not the only thing that needs extra attention. First, it is not easy to purchase the species because these species are rarely offered. Simpsonichthys are fish that deposit their eggs piece by piece by diving deep into the substrate. They are moderately productive and their eggs generally have an incubation period of 2,5 to 3 months at a storage temperature of 25 to 28 C. However, it is advisable to check at an earlier date for eggs that develop before then. Experience of some breders has shown that eggs are ready to hatch even after 5 to 6 weeks. In some species the developed eggs are very dark in color and therefore it is difficult to see the iris inside the egghull and that makes it difficult to see what state the eggs are in.

Always try out just a few of the eggs before putting all the peat in the water. Such a test is necessary to recognize if the hatchlings will not remain belly sliders and thus will swim well.

It is best to use rainwater because Simpsonichthys is sensitive to calcium-rich water. The best temperature for watering is 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. The young are relatively large when they hatch because their eggs are also quite large. They can eat Artmia immediately after hatching and after a few weeks also much larger live foods such as sieved Daphnia. After 6 weeks the youngsters are already able to produce the first eggs. Their life expectancy in captivity can reach up to 1.5 years. But in nature they do not live long because their pool goes dry after 7 to 8 months.

Remarks:

A breeder I know indicated that breeding Simpsonichthys margaritatus benefited from floating plants above where they come to deposit. This can of course also be the case with the other species of the genus Simpsonichthys.

Max. size 3.0 cm.
Dorsal 18,5 in males
Anal 18,5 in males
D/A 3,5,
LL scale count (average) 25.0
Pre- dorsal length to % SL – 52.9 %
Depth to % SL – 30,9 %