Fin's Fish Guide
The Orient toothcarp (Aphanius mento) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region; springs, streams and brackish coastal waters.
Description
The Orient toothcarp is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Cyprinodontidae from the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region. The species grows to about 5 to 6 cm; males are handsomely blue with pale spots and bars, females plain brownish with blotches. It inhabits springs, brooks, swamps and brackish coastal waters and tolerates strongly varying salinity and temperature. As an omnivore it eats algae, detritus, mosquito larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to fragmentation of its habitat and competition from alien fishes many populations are under pressure. It is popular with hobbyists and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orient toothcarp?
The Orient toothcarp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Males attractively blue with spots; tolerates strongly varying salinity and temperature.
Where does the Orient toothcarp live?
The Orient toothcarp lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region; springs, streams and brackish coastal waters.
How big does the Orient toothcarp get?
The Orient toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Orient toothcarp dangerous to humans?
No, the Orient toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Orient toothcarp edible?
The Orient toothcarp is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Orient toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orient toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aphanius
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Orient toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orient toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.