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Elegant rivulus (Cynodonichthys elegans) — Rivulidae

Elegant rivulus

Cynodonichthys elegans
Family: Rivulidae

The Elegant rivulus (Cynodonichthys elegans) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Elegant rivulus is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of northwestern South America and Panama. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, cylindrical body; males are brightly coloured with spots and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a bottom-oriented fish it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elegant rivulus?

The Elegant rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Elegant rivulus live?

The Elegant rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Elegant rivulus get?

The Elegant rivulus grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Elegant rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Elegant rivulus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sierlijke killivis sourced
English name
Elegant rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Cynodonichthys elegans
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Cynodonichthys

More from the family Rivulidae

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