221 



species can be added to the preliminary list of miniaturized South American fishes 

 compiled by Weitzman and Vari (1988). 



Etymolog y 



From the Latin /Jiper, meaning pepper, in reference to the finely stippled 

 pattern of pigmentation on the body. 



Distribution 



Known only from the type-locality in Guyana and in Brazil from the Rio 

 Negro just downstream from the confluence with the Rio Branco. 



Ecology 



Nothing pubhshed. The smallest male specunen (39.7 mm SL) examined was 

 in nuptial condition, indicating that this species attains sexual maturity at an 

 exceptionally diminutive size. 



Material Examined 



Type material. - Holotype : FMNH 53243 (female, 47.3), Essequibo River at 

 Crab Falls, British Guiana (= Guyana), 1908, C. H. Eigenmann. Paratypes : 6 

 specimens, all taken with the holotype; FMNH 53244 (female, 41.7); CAS 58382 (ex 

 rU 12090) (female, 47.5; 2 males, 44.6 and 46.9); MCZ 30189 (female, 46.4); BMNH 

 1911.10.31.102 (male, 44.8). ^ 





