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Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae

Brownspotted killifish

Profundulus punctatus
Family: Profundulidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The spotted killifish is an egg-laying toothcarp (Profundulidae) from southern Mexico. The species grows to a few centimetres and has a stocky body with rows of fine spots on the flanks, to which the name refers. It inhabits clear streams, pools and springs of the highlands. It is not a seasonal killifish. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Owing to a limited range there is insufficient information about its status. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brownspotted killifish?

The Brownspotted killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Rows of fine flank spots; small mountain-stream fish of southern Mexico, not a seasonal killifish.

Where does the Brownspotted killifish live?

The Brownspotted killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs.

How big does the Brownspotted killifish get?

The Brownspotted killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Brownspotted killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Brownspotted killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Brownspotted killifish edible?

The Brownspotted killifish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Dan Riley, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Matamoros W, Schaefer J, Hernández C, Ckakrabarty P (2012) (CC BY 3.0)
Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae — 4
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Brownspotted killifish (Profundulus punctatus) — Profundulidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Rene Villanueva, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Brownspotted killifish verified
Scientific name
Profundulus punctatus
Family
Profundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Spots
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Superior (upward)
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern Mexico; clear mountain streams, pools and springs.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Rows of fine flank spots; small mountain-stream fish of southern Mexico, not a seasonal killifish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Profundulus

More from the family Profundulidae

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