Fin's Fish Guide
The Bottle toothcarp (Tomeurus gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The tomeurus is a small livebearer-relative of the family Poeciliidae from northern South America. The species is notable because, unlike most poeciliids, it lays internally fertilised eggs: the male transfers sperm with his gonopodium, but the female then deposits separate, fertilised eggs. It lives in schools of several dozen individuals in muddy creeks and along the sandy-muddy edges of shallow estuaries, where it sometimes hangs motionless at the surface. It feeds on small plankton and invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bottle toothcarp?
The Bottle toothcarp has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Lays internally fertilised eggs, unique among the ovoviviparous toothcarps.
Where does the Bottle toothcarp live?
The Bottle toothcarp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Northern South America; muddy streams and shallow estuaries.
How big does the Bottle toothcarp get?
The Bottle toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Bottle toothcarp dangerous to humans?
No, the Bottle toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bottle toothcarp edible?
The Bottle toothcarp is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Bottle toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bottle toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Bottle toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bottle toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.