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Shorthead rivulus (Laimosemion breviceps) — Rivulidae

Shorthead rivulus

Laimosemion breviceps
Family: Rivulidae

The Shorthead rivulus (Laimosemion breviceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Guyana

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Description

The Shorthead rivulus is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow forest streams, pools and swamps of the Guianas in South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, cylindrical body; males are brightly coloured with spots and coloured fin margins. As a bottom-oriented fish of calm, often oxygen-poor water it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates; some relatives can briefly move across moist ground. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shorthead rivulus?

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

Where does the Shorthead rivulus live?

The Shorthead rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Guyana

How big does the Shorthead rivulus get?

The Shorthead rivulus grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Shorthead rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Shorthead rivulus 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
Shorthead rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Laimosemion breviceps
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 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
Natural range
South America: Guyana sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No 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

Same genus Laimosemion

More from the family Rivulidae

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