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Venezuela killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) — Rivulidae

Venezuela killifish

Austrofundulus limnaeus
Family: Rivulidae

The Venezuela killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Venezuela killifish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of the seasonal pools of northern Venezuela. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body; males are brightly coloured with spots, marbling and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a bottom-oriented fish it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Venezuela killifish?

The Venezuela killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Venezuela killifish live?

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

How big does the Venezuela killifish get?

The Venezuela killifish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Venezuela killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Venezuela killifish 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 Venezuela killifish edible?

Yes, the Venezuela killifish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Venezuela killifish sourced
Scientific name
Austrofundulus limnaeus
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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, Guyana, 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 Austrofundulus

More from the family Rivulidae

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