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Dwarf pearlfish (Notholebias minimus) — Rivulidae

Dwarf pearlfish

Notholebias minimus
Family: Rivulidae

The Dwarf pearlfish (Notholebias minimus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The dwarf pearlfish is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary coastal pools and swamps of southeastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to only about 3 cm; the male is brightly coloured with red and blue tints and a pearled pattern. When the pools dry up the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the rains. It eats small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf pearlfish?

The Dwarf pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Dwarf pearlfish live?

The Dwarf pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil

How big does the Dwarf pearlfish get?

The Dwarf pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Dwarf pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf pearlfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Notholebias minimus
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Barredtail pearlfish; Least pearlfish; Minute pearlfish; Annual Tropiacl Killifish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates 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

More from the family Rivulidae

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