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Blackfin pupfish (Cyprinodon beltrani) — Cyprinodontidae

Blackfin pupfish

Cyprinodon beltrani

The Blackfin pupfish (Cyprinodon beltrani) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Blackfin pupfish is a desert pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from springs, streams and salt lakes of Lake Chichancanab on Yucatan in Mexico. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky, high-backed body; males colour up steel-blue in the breeding season, females are brown-grey with spots. It is remarkably tolerant of extremely warm, salty or oxygen-poor water and snaps at algae, small invertebrates and detritus. Many species have an extremely small range and are endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin pupfish?

The Blackfin pupfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Blackfin pupfish live?

The Blackfin pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: Mexico

How big does the Blackfin pupfish get?

The Blackfin pupfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Blackfin pupfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin pupfish 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
Blackfin pupfish sourced
Scientific name
Cyprinodon beltrani
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Other names
Cachorrito Lodero verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus 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 Cyprinodon

More from the family Cyprinodontidae

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