Home · Rivulidae · Nion pearlfish
Nion pearlfish (Austrolebias nioni) — Rivulidae

Nion pearlfish

Austrolebias nioni
Family: Rivulidae

The Nion pearlfish (Austrolebias nioni) 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

Want the complete picture on the Nion pearlfish?

Get the app

Description

The Nion pearlfish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of the seasonal pools of Uruguay. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body; males are brightly coloured with spots, marbling and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a bottom-oriented fish it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nion pearlfish?

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

Where does the Nion pearlfish live?

The Nion pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Nion pearlfish get?

The Nion pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Nion pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Nion pearlfish 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.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Nion pearlfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nion pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Nion pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Austrolebias nioni
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Killifish

Appearance

Size class
Small
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
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Austrolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Nion pearlfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nion pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Nion pearlfish? Get the app