Fin's Fish Guide
The Eye spot toothcarp (Poecilia vivipara) is a brackish-water fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Eastern South America, from Suriname to Brazil, in fresh and brackish coastal waters.
Description
Poecilia vivipara is a small livebearing toothcarp from fresh and brackish waters of eastern South America. It grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, fusiform body; males stay smaller and carry a gonopodium. The species is named for a dark eye-spot on the flank. It lives in shallow, often still waters, lagoons and coastal ditches and feeds among other things on mosquito larvae, which is why it has locally been used for mosquito control. After a gestation of about 28 days females give birth to a hundred or more live young. It is harmless and of no commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eye spot toothcarp?
The Eye spot toothcarp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Ovoviviparous; males with a gonopodium; dark eyespot on the flank; used for mosquito control.
Where does the Eye spot toothcarp live?
The Eye spot toothcarp lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern South America, from Suriname to Brazil, in fresh and brackish coastal waters.
How big does the Eye spot toothcarp get?
The Eye spot toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Eye spot toothcarp dangerous to humans?
No, the Eye spot toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eye spot toothcarp edible?
The Eye spot toothcarp is not usually eaten.
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Poecilia
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Eye spot toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eye spot toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.