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Itapicuru pearlfish (Cynolebias itapicuruensis) — Rivulidae

Itapicuru pearlfish

Cynolebias itapicuruensis
Family: Rivulidae

The Itapicuru pearlfish (Cynolebias itapicuruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Itapicuru pearlfish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of northeastern Brazil. 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 Itapicuru pearlfish?

The Itapicuru pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Itapicuru pearlfish live?

The Itapicuru pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Itapicuru pearlfish get?

The Itapicuru pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Itapicuru pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Itapicuru pearlfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Itapicuru-killivis sourced
English name
Itapicuru pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Cynolebias itapicuruensis
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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 Cynolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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