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Oblique livebearer (Pseudoxiphophorus obliquus) — Poeciliidae

Oblique livebearer

Pseudoxiphophorus obliquus
Family: Poeciliidae

The Oblique livebearer (Pseudoxiphophorus obliquus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Guatemala

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Description

The oblique livebearer is a livebearing toothcarp (Poeciliidae) from fresh water of Central America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, silver-brown body with an oblique dark band or row of spots on the flank. The male fertilises the female internally with an anal fin modified into a gonopodium, after which live young are born. As a social fish it swims in streams and pools and eats mosquito larvae, small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oblique livebearer?

The Oblique livebearer has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Oblique livebearer live?

The Oblique livebearer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: Guatemala

How big does the Oblique livebearer get?

The Oblique livebearer grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Oblique livebearer dangerous to humans?

No, the Oblique livebearer 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
Oblique livebearer sourced
Scientific name
Pseudoxiphophorus obliquus
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Usumacinta toothcarp sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: Guatemala sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
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

More from the family Poeciliidae

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