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Slenderhead pearlfish (Cynolebias leptocephalus) — Rivulidae

Slenderhead pearlfish

Cynolebias leptocephalus
Family: Rivulidae

The Slenderhead pearlfish (Cynolebias leptocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
12.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Slenderhead pearlfish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of northeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, cylindrical body; males are brightly coloured with spots 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 Slenderhead pearlfish?

The Slenderhead pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Slenderhead pearlfish live?

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

How big does the Slenderhead pearlfish get?

The Slenderhead pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Slenderhead pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Slenderhead pearlfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Slenderhead pearlfish edible?

Yes, the Slenderhead pearlfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Smalkop-killivis sourced
English name
Slenderhead pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Cynolebias leptocephalus
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
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 Cynolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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