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Lyretail rivulus (Laimosemion lyricauda) — Rivulidae

Lyretail rivulus

Laimosemion lyricauda
Family: Rivulidae

The Lyretail rivulus (Laimosemion lyricauda) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Lyretail rivulus is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow forest streams, pools and swamps of northern South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, cylindrical body; males are brightly coloured with spots and coloured fin margins. As a bottom-oriented fish of calm, often oxygen-poor water it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates; some relatives can briefly move across moist ground. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lyretail rivulus?

The Lyretail rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lyretail rivulus live?

The Lyretail rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Lyretail rivulus get?

The Lyretail rivulus grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Lyretail rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Lyretail rivulus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lierstaart-killivis sourced
English name
Lyretail rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Laimosemion lyricauda
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Laimosemion

More from the family Rivulidae

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