Fin's Fish Guide
The Spanish toothcarp (Aphanius iberus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Endemic along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, in brackish coastal lagoons, salt marshes and slow-flowing, often saline streams.
Description
The Spanish toothcarp, called fartet in Spain, is a very small fish of the family Cyprinodontidae reaching about 5 cm. The sexes differ strongly: the male bears silvery-blue vertical bars over the flank and tail, while the female is larger and inconspicuously grey-brown and spotted. The species is endemic along the Mediterranean coast of Spain and lives in brackish coastal lagoons, salt marshes and slow-flowing, often saline streams, where it tolerates strongly varying salinity and oxygen levels. As an omnivore it eats small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Through loss of its habitat and competition with introduced exotics (such as the mosquitofish) it has declined sharply and is assessed as Endangered (EN); it is the subject of targeted conservation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spanish toothcarp?
The Spanish toothcarp is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Very small killifish; the male has silvery-blue, vertical bars across the flank and tail, the female is inconspicuously blotched.
Where does the Spanish toothcarp live?
The Spanish toothcarp lives in brackish water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Endemic along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, in brackish coastal lagoons, salt marshes and slow-flowing, often saline streams.
How big does the Spanish toothcarp get?
The Spanish toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Spanish toothcarp dangerous to humans?
No, the Spanish toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spanish toothcarp edible?
The Spanish toothcarp is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Aphanius
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Spanish toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spanish toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.