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Holland's molly (Pamphorichthys hollandi) — Poeciliidae

Holland's molly

Pamphorichthys hollandi
Family: Poeciliidae

The Holland's molly (Pamphorichthys hollandi) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

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Description

Holland's molly is a small livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) from slow-flowing streams, pools and swamps of eastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a slender, greyish body, in the male with some sheen. The male fertilises the female internally with an anal fin modified into a gonopodium, after which live young are born. It snaps at mosquito larvae, small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Holland's molly?

The Holland's molly has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Holland's molly live?

The Holland's molly lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Holland's molly get?

The Holland's molly grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Holland's molly dangerous to humans?

No, the Holland's molly 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Holland's molly sourced
Scientific name
Pamphorichthys hollandi
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Holland's toothcarp

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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

More from the family Poeciliidae

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