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Brazilian killifish (Kryptolebias brasiliensis) — Rivulidae

Brazilian killifish

Kryptolebias brasiliensis
Family: Rivulidae

The Brazilian killifish (Kryptolebias brasiliensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Brazilian killifish is a small killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow fresh and brackish water of mangroves and coastal pools of eastern Brazil. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, brownish body with fine markings. Related to the self-fertilising mangrove killifish, it can survive short spells out of water in moist leaf litter. It snaps at small invertebrates, insects and larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brazilian killifish?

The Brazilian killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Brazilian killifish live?

The Brazilian killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil

How big does the Brazilian killifish get?

The Brazilian killifish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Brazilian killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Brazilian 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brazilian killifish sourced
Scientific name
Kryptolebias brasiliensis
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

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 Kryptolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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