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Grey pearlfish (Cynolebias griseus) — Rivulidae

Grey pearlfish

Cynolebias griseus
Family: Rivulidae

The Grey pearlfish (Cynolebias griseus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The grey pearlfish is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary rain pools of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a deep, stocky body; males are grey-blue with fine light spots, females inconspicuously brownish. When the pools dry the adults die, but their eggs survive the drought in the mud and hatch with the next rains. It eats small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Grey pearlfish?

The Grey pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Grey pearlfish live?

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

How big does the Grey pearlfish get?

The Grey pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Grey pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Grey 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.

Is the Grey pearlfish edible?

Yes, the Grey pearlfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Grey pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Cynolebias griseus
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Spots 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 sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

Same genus Cynolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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