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Spotfin killi (Rachovia maculipinnis) — Rivulidae

Spotfin killi

Rachovia maculipinnis
Family: Rivulidae

The Spotfin killi (Rachovia maculipinnis) 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
Range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Spotfin 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 Spotfin killi?

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

Where does the Spotfin killi live?

The Spotfin killi lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Colombia, Venezuela

How big does the Spotfin killi get?

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

Is the Spotfin killi dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotfin killi 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.

Is the Spotfin killi edible?

Yes, the Spotfin killi is commonly eaten.

More photos

Spotfin killi (Rachovia maculipinnis) — Rivulidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotfin killi sourced
Scientific name
Rachovia maculipinnis
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
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Rachovia

More from the family Rivulidae

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