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Smallfinger Topminnow (Girardinus microdactylus) — Poeciliidae

Smallfinger Topminnow

Girardinus microdactylus
Family: Poeciliidae
LC · Least Concern

The Smallfinger Topminnow (Girardinus microdactylus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Cuba; pools and banks of mountain streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The smallfinger livebearer is a small livebearer (Poeciliidae) endemic to Cuba. The species is small; males are smaller than females and have a gonopodium for internal fertilisation. It occurs in pools and along the banks of highland streams, sometimes in swift water, and swims both in midwater and near the bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, small zooplankton, mosquito larvae and detritus. The female bears live young. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallfinger Topminnow?

The Smallfinger Topminnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Endemic ovoviviparous little fish from Cuba; the male has a gonopodium, the female gives birth to live young.

Where does the Smallfinger Topminnow live?

The Smallfinger Topminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Cuba; pools and banks of mountain streams.

How big does the Smallfinger Topminnow get?

The Smallfinger Topminnow grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Smallfinger Topminnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallfinger Topminnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Smallfinger Topminnow edible?

The Smallfinger Topminnow is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Smallfinger Topminnow verified
Scientific name
Girardinus microdactylus
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Smallfinger topminnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Cuba; pools and banks of mountain streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, small zooplankton, midge larvae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Endemic ovoviviparous little fish from Cuba; the male has a gonopodium, the female gives birth to live young. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Girardinus

More from the family Poeciliidae

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