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Dogtooth rivulus (Cynodonichthys tenuis) — Rivulidae

Dogtooth rivulus

Cynodonichthys tenuis
Family: Rivulidae
DD · Data Deficient

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

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America; quiet, shallow streams and swamps in forested areas.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The slender rivulus is an egg-laying toothcarp (Rivulidae) from Central America. The species is small and slender; males are more handsomely coloured than females. It inhabits calm, shallow parts of streams and swamps in forested areas. Unlike many related killifishes it is not a seasonal killifish. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates at and near the surface. It is easy to keep in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dogtooth rivulus?

The Dogtooth rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender little killifish of forest streams; not a seasonal killifish, unlike many relatives.

Where does the Dogtooth rivulus live?

The Dogtooth rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; quiet, shallow streams and swamps in forested areas.

How big does the Dogtooth rivulus get?

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

Is the Dogtooth rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Dogtooth rivulus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dogtooth rivulus edible?

The Dogtooth rivulus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dogtooth rivulus verified
Scientific name
Cynodonichthys tenuis
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Maya rivulus verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Central America; quiet, shallow streams and swamps in forested areas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Slender little killifish of forest streams; not a seasonal killifish, unlike many relatives. 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 Cynodonichthys

More from the family Rivulidae

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