Fin's Fish Guide
The Valencia toothcarp (Valencia hispanica) is a brackish-water fish of the family Valenciidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Endemic along the Mediterranean coast of eastern Spain, in brackish and fresh coastal marshes, lagoons and clear spring-fed streams with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The Valencia toothcarp, called samaruc in Spain, is a small, colourful fish of the family Valenciidae reaching about 8 cm. The sexes differ: the male has bluish, shining vertical bars on the yellow-brown flank, while the female is larger and more subdued. The species is endemic to the Mediterranean coast of eastern Spain and lives in brackish and fresh coastal marshes, lagoons and clear spring-fed streams with abundant water plants, where it tolerates varying salinity and oxygen levels. It eats small zooplankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates. Through drainage of marshes, water pollution and especially competition with the introduced mosquitofish it has been reduced to a few small populations and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR); it is the subject of targeted conservation and breeding programmes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Valencia toothcarp?
The Valencia toothcarp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, colourful killifish; the male has bluish shiny, vertical streaks on the flank, the female is more inconspicuous.
Where does the Valencia toothcarp live?
The Valencia toothcarp lives in brackish water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Endemic along the Mediterranean coast of eastern Spain, in brackish and fresh coastal marshes, lagoons and clear spring-fed streams with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Valencia toothcarp get?
The Valencia toothcarp grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Valencia toothcarp dangerous to humans?
No, the Valencia toothcarp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Valencia toothcarp edible?
The Valencia toothcarp is not usually eaten.
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Want the complete picture on the Valencia toothcarp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Valencia toothcarp is one of 12,519 species in the app.