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Grijalva studfish (Xenodexia ctenolepis) — Poeciliidae

Grijalva studfish

Xenodexia ctenolepis
Family: Poeciliidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Grijalva studfish (Xenodexia ctenolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America; slow- and fast-flowing streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Grijalva studfish is a livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) from Central America. The species is small and stands out by an enlarged, grasping pectoral fin base in the male that helps in mating. Unlike egg-laying fishes the female gives birth to live young. It inhabits both slow- and fast-flowing streams and lives together with other livebearing genera. It feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and algae. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Grijalva studfish?

The Grijalva studfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Male with an enlarged, grasping pectoral fin base as a mating aid; ovoviviparous.

Where does the Grijalva studfish live?

The Grijalva studfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Central America; slow- and fast-flowing streams.

How big does the Grijalva studfish get?

The Grijalva studfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Grijalva studfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Grijalva studfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Grijalva studfish edible?

The Grijalva studfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Grijalva studfish verified
Scientific name
Xenodexia ctenolepis
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 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
Central America; slow- and fast-flowing streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and algae 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
Male with an enlarged, grasping pectoral fin base as a mating aid; ovoviviparous. 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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