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Guatemalan killifish (Profundulus guatemalensis) — Profundulidae

Guatemalan killifish

Profundulus guatemalensis
Family: Profundulidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Guatemalan killifish (Profundulus guatemalensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America; clear streams, pools and rivers.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Guatemalan killifish is a Middle American killifish (Profundulidae) from Central America. The species is small and stocky with an upward-pointing mouth. Unlike annual killifishes it has no drought dormancy and lives in permanent waters: clear streams, pools and rivers. At and near the surface it feeds on insects, insect larvae and small invertebrates. Through habitat loss the species is considered vulnerable. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Guatemalan killifish?

The Guatemalan killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. No drought dormancy (unlike annual killifishes); vulnerable toothcarp of Guatemala.

Where does the Guatemalan killifish live?

The Guatemalan killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; clear streams, pools and rivers.

How big does the Guatemalan killifish get?

The Guatemalan killifish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Guatemalan killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Guatemalan killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Guatemalan killifish edible?

The Guatemalan killifish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Guatemalan killifish sourced
Scientific name
Profundulus guatemalensis
Family
Profundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
Central America; clear streams, pools and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, insect larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
No drought dormancy (unlike annual killifishes); vulnerable toothcarp of Guatemala. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 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 Profundulus

More from the family Profundulidae

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