Publication2 med aquascape Publication1cs complete | Page 142

Tom Williams
Astatheros nourisatti is a relatively recently dis-
covered and described cichlid from Mexico and
Guatemala and is named in honour of its discover
the late Jean Claude Nourissat, president of The
French Cichlid Association. This esteemed explorer
and finder of many great cichlids was responsible
for establishing many rare cichlids in the hobby
including Paretroplus nourissati, Paretroplus
menarambo and Vieja argentea and is sorely
missed by all who knew him and respected him.
Sadly Jean Claude was struck down with Cerebral
Malaria on an expedition to Madagascar.
Unfortunately he did not survive otherwise he
would no doubt still be discovering cichlids as part
of his adventures. It is therefore a fitting tribute
that this species carries his name. A.nourisatti was
initially described as Theraps nourisatti by Allgayer
in 1989. In the paper he states that the fish does
not conform to the general merististics for place-
ment in Theraps, so it a surprise that he chose this
genus for its placement. All Theraps sensu stricto
species are very slender bodied and rheophilic fish
with short snouts whereas A. nourissati has a long
snout with large lips and is also taller bodied.
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