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Geay's rivulus (Laimosemion geayi) — Rivulidae

Geay's rivulus

Laimosemion geayi
Family: Rivulidae

The Geay's rivulus (Laimosemion geayi) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; calm forest rivers with little current in the Guianas.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Geay's rivulus is a small killifish of the family Rivulidae from the Guianas in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate body with a flattened back; males are more handsomely coloured with spots and mottled fins. It is a calm, timid little species, typical of forest rivers where the current is slight, often in shallow, dark-stained water among leaf litter and roots. As a surface and bottom hunter it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and small zooplankton. Rivulus-type fishes can move out of water for short periods among moist leaves. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Geay's rivulus?

The Geay's rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Shy little forest-river killifish; can move out of the water among damp leaves for a short time.

Where does the Geay's rivulus live?

The Geay's rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm forest rivers with little current in the Guianas.

How big does the Geay's rivulus get?

The Geay's rivulus grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Geay's rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Geay's rivulus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Geay's rivulus edible?

The Geay's rivulus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Geay's rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Laimosemion geayi
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 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
South America; calm forest rivers with little current in the Guianas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and small zooplankton sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary 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
Shy little forest-river killifish; can move out of the water among damp leaves for a short time. 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 Laimosemion

More from the family Rivulidae

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