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Spotted onesided livebearer (Jenynsia maculata) — Anablepidae

Spotted onesided livebearer

Jenynsia maculata
Family: Anablepidae

The Spotted onesided livebearer (Jenynsia maculata) is a freshwater fish of the family Anablepidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina

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Description

The spotted onesided livebearer is a livebearing toothcarp (Anablepidae) from fresh and brackish water of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with rows of dark spots. Like its relatives the mating is one-sided: the organ and the opening each face left or right, so only matching animals can pair. The female bears live young and eats small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted onesided livebearer?

The Spotted onesided livebearer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted onesided livebearer live?

The Spotted onesided livebearer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Argentina

How big does the Spotted onesided livebearer get?

The Spotted onesided livebearer grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Spotted onesided livebearer dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted onesided livebearer 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
Spotted onesided livebearer sourced
Scientific name
Jenynsia maculata
Family
Anablepidae
Other names
Spotted Salta livebearer sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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 Jenynsia

More from the family Anablepidae

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