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Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) — Cyprinodontidae

Comanche Springs pupfish

Cyprinodon elegans
Family: Cyprinodontidae

The Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The Comanche Springs pupfish is a desert pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from springs, streams and salt lakes of the springs of West Texas in the United States. 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 Comanche Springs pupfish?

The Comanche Springs pupfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Comanche Springs pupfish live?

The Comanche Springs pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: USA

How big does the Comanche Springs pupfish get?

The Comanche Springs pupfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Comanche Springs pupfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Comanche Springs 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.

More photos

Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) — Cyprinodontidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation (Public domain)
Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) — Cyprinodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Mike Ostrowski, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) — Cyprinodontidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — USFWS (Public domain)
Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) — Cyprinodontidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Comanche Springs pupfish sourced
Scientific name
Cyprinodon elegans
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Other names
Comanche Springs pupfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Average length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: USA 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

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Fin

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