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Schleser's killifish (Aphyolebias schleseri) — Rivulidae

Schleser's killifish

Aphyolebias schleseri
Family: Rivulidae

The Schleser's killifish (Aphyolebias schleseri) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

Schleser's killifish is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary pools and swamps of the Amazon basin in Bolivia in South America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body; the male is brightly coloured with blue and red tints and spreading fins. When the pools dry up in the dry season the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the next rains. It eats small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Schleser's killifish?

The Schleser's killifish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Schleser's killifish live?

The Schleser's killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Schleser's killifish get?

The Schleser's killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Schleser's killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Schleser's killifish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schlesers killivis sourced
English name
Schleser's killifish sourced
Scientific name
Aphyolebias schleseri
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Rivulidae

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