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Nion pearlfish (Austrolebias nioni) — Rivulidae

Nion pearlfish

Austrolebias nioni
Family: Rivulidae

The Nion pearlfish (Austrolebias nioni) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Nion pearlfish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of the seasonal pools of Uruguay. 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 Nion pearlfish?

The Nion pearlfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Nion pearlfish live?

The Nion pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Nion pearlfish get?

The Nion pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Nion pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Nion pearlfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Nion-killivis sourced
English name
Nion pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Austrolebias nioni
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Austrolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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