Fin's Fish Guide
The Arabian pupfish (Aphanius dispar) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Middle East, around the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea and adjacent waters.
Description
The Arabian pupfish is a small egg-laying fish of the family Aphaniidae from the Middle East, around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea. The species reaches only about 5 cm and is remarkably salt-tolerant: it lives in fresh water, oases, brackish lagoons and even hypersaline coastal pools. Males are silvery-blue with dark cross-bars, females duller. It is an omnivore feeding on algae, detritus and small invertebrates, including mosquito larvae, so the species locally helps with mosquito control. It occurs in small groups near the bottom.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arabian pupfish?
The Arabian pupfish is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Remarkably salt-tolerant (fresh to hypersaline); eats mosquito larvae and helps locally with mosquito control.
Where does the Arabian pupfish live?
The Arabian pupfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Middle East, around the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea and adjacent waters.
How big does the Arabian pupfish get?
The Arabian pupfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Arabian pupfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Arabian pupfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Arabian pupfish edible?
The Arabian pupfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphanius
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Arabian pupfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arabian pupfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.