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Leon Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon bovinus) — Cyprinodontidae

Leon Springs pupfish

Cyprinodon bovinus
VU · Vulnerable

The Leon Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon bovinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Leon Springs pupfish is a small pupfish (Cyprinodontidae) from a few springs of the Leon Springs area in Texas, where it is endemic. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky body; males turn bluish in courtship, females are duller. Due to its very restricted range the species is vulnerable. It tolerates strongly fluctuating temperature and salinity and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leon Springs pupfish?

The Leon Springs pupfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Leon Springs pupfish live?

The Leon Springs pupfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Leon Springs pupfish get?

The Leon Springs pupfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Leon Springs pupfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Leon Springs pupfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Leon Springs pupfish edible?

Yes, the Leon Springs pupfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Leon Springs-woestijnkarper sourced
English name
Leon Springs pupfish sourced
Scientific name
Cyprinodon bovinus
Family
Cyprinodontidae
Other names
Leon Springs pupfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.6 verified
Average length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

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 Cyprinodon

More from the family Cyprinodontidae

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