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Greenway's toothcarp (Scolichthys greenwayi) — Poeciliidae

Greenway's toothcarp

Scolichthys greenwayi
Family: Poeciliidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Greenway's toothcarp (Scolichthys greenwayi) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Guatemala, in flowing waters of the Atlantic slope.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Greenway's toothcarp is a very small livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae endemic to Guatemala. The species reaches only about 3.5 cm and has a slender, olive to silvery body. It inhabits flowing waters of the Atlantic slope. As an omnivore the fish feeds on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like other poeciliids fertilisation is internal and the female gives birth to fully formed young; the male has a gonopodium. Through its restricted range and lack of data the IUCN assesses the species as data deficient (DD).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Greenway's toothcarp?

The Greenway's toothcarp has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small ovoviviparous toothcarp from fast-flowing Guatemalan waters.

Where does the Greenway's toothcarp live?

The Greenway's toothcarp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Guatemala, in flowing waters of the Atlantic slope.

How big does the Greenway's toothcarp get?

The Greenway's toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Greenway's toothcarp dangerous to humans?

No, the Greenway's toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Greenway's toothcarp edible?

The Greenway's toothcarp is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Greenway's toothcarp verified
Scientific name
Scolichthys greenwayi
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Average length (cm)
2.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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
Open water sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Guatemala, in flowing waters of the Atlantic slope. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Very small ovoviviparous toothcarp from fast-flowing Guatemalan waters. 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

More from the family Poeciliidae

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