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Opal killifish (Leptolebias opalescens) — Rivulidae

Opal killifish

Leptolebias opalescens
Family: Rivulidae

The Opal killifish (Leptolebias opalescens) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

Description

The Opal killifish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow coastal streams, pools and swamps of the coastal region of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender body; males are brightly coloured with yellow, blue and red tints and coloured fin margins. As a bottom-oriented fish of calm, often oxygen-poor water it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. Through habitat loss many of these species are threatened. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Opal killifish?

The Opal killifish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Opal killifish live?

The Opal killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Opal killifish get?

The Opal killifish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Opal killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Opal killifish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Opaal-killivis sourced
English name
Opal killifish sourced
Scientific name
Leptolebias opalescens
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Myer's gaucho; Opal pearlfish; Opalescent pearlfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured 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 Leptolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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