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Jussieu's pupfish (Orestias jussiei) — Cyprinodontidae

Jussieu's pupfish

Orestias jussiei

The Jussieu's pupfish (Orestias jussiei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Peru

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Description

The Jussieu's pupfish is a small pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from cold highland waters of the Andes in the Lake Titicaca region in Bolivia and Peru. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body without pelvic fins. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear, cold lake and stream water at high altitude and eats small invertebrates, larvae and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jussieu's pupfish?

The Jussieu's pupfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Jussieu's pupfish live?

The Jussieu's pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Peru

How big does the Jussieu's pupfish get?

The Jussieu's pupfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Jussieu's pupfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Jussieu's pupfish 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
Jussieu's pupfish sourced
Scientific name
Orestias jussiei
Family
Cyprinodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No 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

Same genus Orestias

More from the family Cyprinodontidae

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