Fin's Fish Guide
The Yucatan pupfish (Cyprinodon artifrons) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Caribbean Central America; shallow coastal waters, lagoons and mangroves.
Description
The Yucatan pupfish is a small egg-laying toothcarp of the family Cyprinodontidae from the Caribbean of Central America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky body; males are more robust and brightly coloured than females. As a euryhaline species it occurs in shallow coastal waters, lagoons, mangroves and brackish pools, tolerating strongly varying salinities. As an omnivore it grazes algae and detritus and eats small invertebrates. Unlike the seasonal killifishes this is not a seasonal species. The Yucatan pupfish is easy to keep in the aquarium and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yucatan pupfish?
The Yucatan pupfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Euryhaline pupfish that tolerates strongly varying salinities; males more brightly coloured.
Where does the Yucatan pupfish live?
The Yucatan pupfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Caribbean Central America; shallow coastal waters, lagoons and mangroves.
How big does the Yucatan pupfish get?
The Yucatan pupfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Yucatan pupfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Yucatan pupfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Yucatan pupfish edible?
The Yucatan pupfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprinodon
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Yucatan pupfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yucatan pupfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.