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Ocellated pupfish (Floridichthys polyommus) — Cyprinodontidae

Ocellated pupfish

Floridichthys polyommus

The Ocellated pupfish (Floridichthys polyommus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Belize, Mexico

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Description

The ocellated pupfish is a small pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from coastal and brackish water of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a stocky body; males turn blue-green with orange accents and eyespot-like dots on the fins in courtship. It tolerates strongly fluctuating salinity of lagoons and mangroves and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated pupfish?

The Ocellated pupfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Ocellated pupfish live?

The Ocellated pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Belize, Mexico

How big does the Ocellated pupfish get?

The Ocellated pupfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Ocellated pupfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated pupfish 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
Ocellated pupfish sourced
Scientific name
Floridichthys polyommus
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Other names
Ocellated killifish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Floridichthys

More from the family Cyprinodontidae

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