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Oaxaca killifish (Profundulus oaxacae) — Profundulidae

Oaxaca killifish

Profundulus oaxacae
Family: Profundulidae

The Oaxaca killifish (Profundulus oaxacae) is a freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Oaxaca killifish is a Middle American killifish (Profundulidae) from fresh water of the highlands of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, olive-silvery body with an upturned mouth and large eyes. As a surface-oriented fish it swims in clear streams and pools and snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oaxaca killifish?

The Oaxaca killifish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Oaxaca killifish live?

The Oaxaca killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Oaxaca killifish get?

The Oaxaca killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Oaxaca killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Oaxaca killifish 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

English name
Oaxaca killifish sourced
Scientific name
Profundulus oaxacae
Family
Profundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
10 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No 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 Profundulus

More from the family Profundulidae

Fin

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