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Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) — Rivulidae

Agila killifish

Laimosemion agilae
Family: Rivulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northern South America, in shallow swamps and small streams, among others in French Guiana.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Laimosemion agilae is a small killifish (family Rivulidae) of northern South America. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a slender body; males are more colourful than females. It prefers small, shallow streams and sunny swamps with little current, where it sometimes co-occurs with related killifish. It is a quiet species not very inclined to jump. Its diet consists of small invertebrates and insect larvae. The species is harmless to humans, is not eaten and is occasionally found in the aquarium hobby.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Agila killifish?

The Agila killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, peaceful killifish of sunny swamps; males more colourful than females.

Where does the Agila killifish live?

The Agila killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America, in shallow swamps and small streams, among others in French Guiana.

How big does the Agila killifish get?

The Agila killifish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Agila killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Agila killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Agila killifish edible?

The Agila killifish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) — Rivulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) fins_and_fur, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) — Rivulidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) — Rivulidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Jérémy Delolme, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Agila killifish (Laimosemion agilae) — Rivulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Agila killifish verified
Scientific name
Laimosemion agilae
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Northern South America, in shallow swamps and small streams, among others in French Guiana. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, peaceful killifish of sunny swamps; males more colourful than females. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Laimosemion

More from the family Rivulidae

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