A new species of tetra related to the rosy tetra has been described from eastern Brazil.
The description of the new species, named Hyphessobrycon khardinae by German scientist Axel Zarske, is published in the latest issue of the journal Vertebrate Zoology.
Hyphessobrycon khardinae is distinguished from all other members of the genus in having a combination of: two to five broad tri- to quincuspid maxillary teeth, two to three tricuspid premaxillary teeth in the external row, five broad quincuspid premaxillary teeth in the internal row, 31"34 scales in longitudinal series, relatively deep body (2.62"2.93 times in standard length), relatively short head (4.07"4.41 times in standard length) and a horizontally elongate triangular humeral spot with one of its apices directed towards its head.
The new species is known from the Itaparana River in eastern Brazil and is named after Natasha Khardina, who collected the types of the new species along with Heiko Bleher.
Hyphessobrycon appears to be restricted to blackwater habitats.
At the type locality, the pH of the water was 6.15, conductivity 36 S, and the water temperature was 25.9C at 8:30 in the morning.
The fish were found amongst leaves and sunken roots, with the substrate being mostly sandy.
No pictures of the fish were available for publication.
For more information, see the paper: Zarske, A (2008) Hyphessobrycon khardinae sp. n. " ein neuer Blutsalmler aus Brasilien (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae). Vertebrate Zoology 58, pp. 5"13.