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Flame pearlfish (Austrolebias luteoflammulatus) — Rivulidae

Flame pearlfish

Austrolebias luteoflammulatus
Family: Rivulidae

The Flame pearlfish (Austrolebias luteoflammulatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The flame pearlfish is a small, annual killifish (Rivulidae) from temporary pools of the coastal plain of Uruguay in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm; males are dark blue with pale spots and flame-coloured fin edges, females brownish. It lives in rain pools that dry out in the dry season: the adults die, but the eggs survive dry in the mud and hatch with the next rains. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flame pearlfish?

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

Where does the Flame pearlfish live?

The Flame pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Flame pearlfish get?

The Flame pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Flame pearlfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Flame pearlfish 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.

More photos

Flame pearlfish (Austrolebias luteoflammulatus) — Rivulidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) João Gava Just, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Flame pearlfish sourced
Scientific name
Austrolebias luteoflammulatus
Family
Rivulidae
Other names
Killifish

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
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 Austrolebias

More from the family Rivulidae

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