Home · Poeciliidae · Goldbelly Topminnow
Goldbelly Topminnow (Girardinus falcatus) — Poeciliidae

Goldbelly Topminnow

Girardinus falcatus
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Goldbelly Topminnow (Girardinus falcatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The goldbelly topminnow is a small livebearing toothcarp of the family Poeciliidae from Cuba. The species grows to about 4 to 6 cm; females are larger than the males, which have a sickle-shaped gonopodium, to which the species name refers. It inhabits ponds, lakes and lowland streams, usually in shallow, clear water. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, small zooplankton, insect larvae and detritus; it also eats mosquito larvae. Like other livebearers the female gives birth to live young after internal fertilisation. The species is a popular aquarium fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goldbelly Topminnow?

The Goldbelly Topminnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Goldbelly Topminnow live?

The Goldbelly Topminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Goldbelly Topminnow get?

The Goldbelly Topminnow grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Goldbelly Topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Goldbelly Topminnow is harmless to humans.

Is the Goldbelly Topminnow edible?

The Goldbelly Topminnow is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Goudbuik-tandkarpertje sourced
English name
Goldbelly Topminnow verified
Scientific name
Girardinus falcatus
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Goldbelly topminnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Girardinus

More from the family Poeciliidae

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