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Hellner's pearlfish (Moema hellneri) — Rivulidae

Hellner's pearlfish

Moema hellneri
Family: Rivulidae

The Hellner's pearlfish (Moema hellneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

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

Description

The Hellner's pearlfish is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary pools and swamps of the upper Amazon basin in Bolivia. The species grows to about 6 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 Hellner's pearlfish?

The Hellner's pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Hellner's pearlfish live?

The Hellner's pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Hellner's pearlfish get?

The Hellner's pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Hellner's pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Hellner's pearlfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hellners parelkillivis sourced
English name
Hellner's pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Moema hellneri
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 inferred
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

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 Moema

More from the family Rivulidae

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