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Birkhahn's rivulus (Cynodonichthys birkhahni) — Rivulidae

Birkhahn's rivulus

Cynodonichthys birkhahni
Family: Rivulidae

The Birkhahn's rivulus (Cynodonichthys birkhahni) 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
Range
North America: Panama

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Description

The Birkhahn's rivulus is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of Panama in Central America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, cylindrical body; males are brightly coloured with spots and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a bottom-oriented fish it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Birkhahn's rivulus?

The Birkhahn's rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Birkhahn's rivulus live?

The Birkhahn's rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: Panama

How big does the Birkhahn's rivulus get?

The Birkhahn's rivulus grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Birkhahn's rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Birkhahn's rivulus 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Birkhahn's rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Cynodonichthys birkhahni
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: Panama sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
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

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

Same genus Cynodonichthys

More from the family Rivulidae

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