Results for “nuptial”

C. carsevennensis has formerly been synonymised with C. arnoldi but was considered separate by Zarske (2011) using the following combination characters: absence (vs. presence) of a silvery-white to white patch in the centre of some of the flank scales in males, particularly in the lower half of the body; absence (vs. presence) of a horizontal dark body bar in nuptial males; absence (vs. presence) of thin black margins in the dorsal, ventral and anal fins; eggs deposited among submerged vegetation (vs. eg...

This species is variable in terms of colour. Large adults may be bright green, orange or barred but are apparently capable of changing from barred to plain in just a few seconds. These different forms have been recorded in the same natural habitats, and some individuals also possess prominent nuptial tubercules covering much of the body.

Parosphromenus spp. have been grouped arbitrarily based on courtship behaviour in males which adopt a 'head-down', 'head-up', or 'horizontal' position depending on species. P. harveyi belongs to the former, most abundant, assemblage in which the male assumes a near-vertical position with the head lowermost and fins splayed during nuptial displays.

As is typical for the genus eggs are deposited on the ceiling of a cave or crevice and guarded by the male until hatching. Several potential sites should be offered in the form of rocks (flat slate tends to be easiest to handle, see below), terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc. A nuptial male will select a site and defend it agai...