Fin's Fish Guide
The Threadfin pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina filamentosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers.
Description
The threadfin pyrrhulina is a slender, graceful characin of the family Lebiasinidae reaching about 11 cm. The silvery body with a brownish-red lengthwise stripe has an upturned mouth, suited to life just below the water surface; in the male the outer tail-fin rays extend into thread-like points. The species comes from the fresh water of northern South America and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers. It hunts insects and small invertebrates at and just below the surface. When breeding the pair lays the eggs on a leaf or stone just below the surface, after which the male guards and regularly splashes them. For its size and behaviour it appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Threadfin pyrrhulina?
The Threadfin pyrrhulina has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, graceful small characin with an upturned mouth and in the male elongated, thread-like caudal fin tips; a surface swimmer.
Where does the Threadfin pyrrhulina live?
The Threadfin pyrrhulina lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of northern South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers.
How big does the Threadfin pyrrhulina get?
The Threadfin pyrrhulina grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Threadfin pyrrhulina dangerous to humans?
No, the Threadfin pyrrhulina is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Threadfin pyrrhulina edible?
The Threadfin pyrrhulina is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Pyrrhulina
More from the family Lebiasinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threadfin pyrrhulina is one of 12,519 species in the app.