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Alfaro (Alfaro cultratus) — Poeciliidae

Alfaro

Alfaro cultratus
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Alfaro (Alfaro cultratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The knife livebearer is a livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) from Central America. The species is slender and translucent and stands out for a sharp, saw-like keel of scales along the underside of the tail base. It inhabits clear streams and rivers with a slow to moderate current. At and near the surface it snaps at insects, small zooplankton and plant matter. The females bear live young. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Alfaro?

The Alfaro has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Alfaro live?

The Alfaro lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Alfaro get?

The Alfaro grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Alfaro dangerous to humans?

No, the Alfaro is harmless to humans.

Is the Alfaro edible?

The Alfaro is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kielbuik-levendbarende sourced
English name
Alfaro verified
Scientific name
Alfaro cultratus
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Knife livebearer verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Alfaro

More from the family Poeciliidae

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