Fin's Fish Guide
The Rio pearlfish (Nematolebias whitei) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Rio pearlfish is a colourful annual killifish of the family Rivulidae from the coastal plain of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil. The species reaches about 8 cm; the males are handsomely spotted in red, blue and white, the females inconspicuous. It lives in small, shallow, temporary pools on floodplains of streams and lagoons with a soft, reddish-brown muddy bottom. These pools dry out twice a year, in winter and summer; the adults then die, but the eggs survive the dry period in the mud and hatch once the pool refills. Through loss of coastal marshes the species is endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rio pearlfish?
The Rio pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Annual pearlfish; the eggs survive the dry season in the mud; endangered (EN) through the loss of coastal swamps.
Where does the Rio pearlfish live?
The Rio pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Coastal plain of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil.
How big does the Rio pearlfish get?
The Rio pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Rio pearlfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Rio pearlfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rio pearlfish edible?
The Rio pearlfish is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Rio pearlfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nematolebias
More from the family Rivulidae
Want the complete picture on the Rio pearlfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rio pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.