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Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) — Goodeidae

Barred splitfin

Chapalichthys encaustus
Family: Goodeidae

The Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) is a freshwater fish of the family Goodeidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The barred splitfin is a small livebearing fish (Goodeidae) endemic to fresh water of the central highlands of Mexico. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with a few dark crossbars and a yellow-edged tail. It lives in clear springs, streams and lakes and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The female gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barred splitfin?

The Barred splitfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Barred splitfin live?

The Barred splitfin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Barred splitfin get?

The Barred splitfin grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Barred splitfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Barred splitfin is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Barred splitfin edible?

Yes, the Barred splitfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) — Goodeidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Arely Ramírez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) — Goodeidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Juan C. Reyes C., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) — Goodeidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Juan C. Reyes C., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barred splitfin (Chapalichthys encaustus) — Goodeidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — David Starr Jordan / John Otterbein Snyder (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Barred splitfin sourced
Scientific name
Chapalichthys encaustus
Family
Goodeidae
Other names
Barred splitfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Goodeidae

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