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Brown rivulus (Rivulus cylindraceus) — Rivulidae

Brown rivulus

Rivulus cylindraceus
Family: Rivulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Brown rivulus (Rivulus cylindraceus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Cuba
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Cuban rivulus is a small killifish endemic to coastal rivers of Cuba. The species grows to about 5.5 cm and has a cylindrical body with an upturned mouth and a far rearward-set dorsal fin, characteristic of the rivulines. It lives in clear headwaters with vegetation and can crawl over land for short periods to reach new pools. Unlike many relatives this is not a seasonal killifish. The fish is popular in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown rivulus?

The Brown rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cylindrical body; can crawl over land for a short time to new pools

Where does the Brown rivulus live?

The Brown rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Cuba

How big does the Brown rivulus get?

The Brown rivulus grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Brown rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Brown 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.

Is the Brown rivulus edible?

The Brown rivulus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brown rivulus verified
Scientific name
Rivulus cylindraceus
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Cuban Rivulus; Cuban rivulus; Green rivulus verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
Cuba verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Oviparous, non-seasonal killifish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Cylindrical body; can crawl over land for a short time to new pools sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Rivulus

More from the family Rivulidae

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