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Zigzag pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina zigzag) — Lebiasinidae

Zigzag pyrrhulina

Pyrrhulina zigzag
Family: Lebiasinidae

The Zigzag pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina zigzag) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru

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Description

The zigzag pyrrhulina is a small characin (Lebiasinidae) from blackwater streams and flooded forest of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, elongate, yellow-brown body with a dark, zigzagging longitudinal stripe and a superior mouth. As a calm fish of the upper layer it snaps at insects falling on the water, larvae and small zooplankton. It lays its eggs on leaves, where the male guards them. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zigzag pyrrhulina?

The Zigzag pyrrhulina has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Zigzag pyrrhulina live?

The Zigzag pyrrhulina lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the Zigzag pyrrhulina get?

The Zigzag pyrrhulina grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Zigzag pyrrhulina dangerous to humans?

No, the Zigzag pyrrhulina 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
Zigzag pyrrhulina sourced
Scientific name
Pyrrhulina zigzag
Family
Lebiasinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No 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 Pyrrhulina

More from the family Lebiasinidae

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