Fin's Fish Guide
The Mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The mangrove rivulus is a remarkable killifish (Rivulidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species grows to about 7 cm and is unique among vertebrates: it is a self-fertilising hermaphrodite, so populations consist largely of genetically identical individuals. It inhabits shallow, muddy ditches, bays, salt marshes and other brackish water, and even crawls into crab burrows or moist leaf litter; it can thus survive out of water for some time. It hunts insects and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mangrove rivulus?
The Mangrove rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Self-fertilising hermaphrodite; can survive out of water in crab burrows and moist leaf litter.
Where does the Mangrove rivulus live?
The Mangrove rivulus lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; mangroves, ditches and salt marshes.
How big does the Mangrove rivulus get?
The Mangrove rivulus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Mangrove rivulus dangerous to humans?
No, the Mangrove rivulus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mangrove rivulus edible?
The Mangrove rivulus is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kryptolebias
More from the family Rivulidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mangrove rivulus is one of 12,519 species in the app.