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Lacorte's pearlfish (Maratecoara lacortei) — Rivulidae

Lacorte's pearlfish

Maratecoara lacortei
Family: Rivulidae

The Lacorte's pearlfish (Maratecoara lacortei) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

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Description

The Lacorte's pearlfish is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary pools and swamps of inland Brazil. The species grows to about 5 cm; the male is brightly coloured with blue, yellow and red spots and spreading fins. When the pools dry up in the dry season the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the next rains. It eats small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lacorte's pearlfish?

The Lacorte's pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lacorte's pearlfish live?

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

How big does the Lacorte's pearlfish get?

The Lacorte's pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Lacorte's pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Lacorte's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lacorte's pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Maratecoara lacortei
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured 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 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 Maratecoara

More from the family Rivulidae

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