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Bluefin killi (Rachovia brevis) — Rivulidae

Bluefin killi

Rachovia brevis
Family: Rivulidae

The Bluefin killi (Rachovia brevis) 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
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Bluefin killi is an annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary pools and swamps of northern South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky body; males are brightly coloured with spots and marbled fins. When the pools dry up in the dry season the adults die, but their eggs survive in the soil and hatch after the next rains. It eats small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluefin killi?

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

Where does the Bluefin killi live?

The Bluefin killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Bluefin killi get?

The Bluefin killi grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Bluefin killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluefin killi is harmless to humans.

Is the Bluefin killi edible?

Yes, the Bluefin killi is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Korte killivis sourced
English name
Bluefin killi sourced
Scientific name
Rachovia brevis
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
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
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Rachovia

More from the family Rivulidae

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