Fin's Fish Guide
The Lake Titicaca orestias (Orestias pentlandii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Description
The Lake Titicaca orestias is a small pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from cold highland waters of the Andes in Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru. The species grows to about 23 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. Through introduced trout and salmon and overfishing the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Titicaca orestias?
The Lake Titicaca orestias has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.
Where does the Lake Titicaca orestias live?
The Lake Titicaca orestias lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Peru
How big does the Lake Titicaca orestias get?
The Lake Titicaca orestias grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Lake Titicaca orestias dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Titicaca orestias 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
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Orestias
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Lake Titicaca orestias?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lake Titicaca orestias is one of 12,519 species in the app.