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Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae

Brownspotted killifish

Profundulus punctatus
Family: Profundulidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The spotted killifish is an egg-laying toothcarp (Profundulidae) from southern Mexico. The species grows to a few centimetres and has a stocky body with rows of fine spots on the flanks, to which the name refers. It inhabits clear streams, pools and springs of the highlands. It is not a seasonal killifish. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Owing to a limited range there is insufficient information about its status. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brownspotted killifish?

The Brownspotted killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Rows of fine flank spots; small mountain-stream fish of southern Mexico, not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Brownspotted killifish live?

The Brownspotted killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs.

How big does the Brownspotted killifish get?

The Brownspotted killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Brownspotted killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Brownspotted killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Brownspotted killifish edible?

The Brownspotted killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brownspotted killifish verified
Scientific name
Profundulus punctatus
Family
Profundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Rows of fine flank spots; small mountain-stream fish of southern Mexico, not a seasonal killifish. 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
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Profundulus

More from the family Profundulidae

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