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Barred livebearer (Heterandria jonesii) — Poeciliidae

Barred livebearer

Heterandria jonesii
Family: Poeciliidae

The Barred livebearer (Heterandria jonesii) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Heterandria jonesii is a small livebearing freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae from eastern Mexico. The species reaches only a few centimetres and has a stocky, streamlined body, often with a row of dark spots or bars on the flank. It inhabits vegetated streams, springs and slow-flowing waters. Like other mosquitofish the species reproduces by internal fertilisation and bears live young; the male has an anal fin modified into a copulatory organ (gonopodium). The diet consists of small invertebrates and aufwuchs. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barred livebearer?

The Barred livebearer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Barred livebearer live?

The Barred livebearer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Barred livebearer get?

The Barred livebearer grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Barred livebearer dangerous to humans?

No, the Barred livebearer is harmless to humans.

Is the Barred livebearer edible?

The Barred livebearer is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Jones' muskietvis sourced
English name
Barred livebearer sourced
Scientific name
Heterandria jonesii
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6.5 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Heterandria

More from the family Poeciliidae

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