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Green-banded rivulus (Laimosemion xiphidius) — Rivulidae

Green-banded rivulus

Laimosemion xiphidius
Family: Rivulidae

The Green-banded rivulus (Laimosemion xiphidius) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The green-banded rivulus is a tiny killifish of the family Rivulidae from the Guianas in South America. The species grows to only about 4.5 cm and inhabits very shallow parts of small forest brooks, where the water is brown and rich in tannin and the bottom consists of fallen, decaying leaves. It stays among the leaf litter and root tangle along the bank. As a small predator it feeds on tiny invertebrates and insect larvae. The males are strikingly coloured with greenish bands. The species is popular with killifish hobbyists and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Green-banded rivulus?

The Green-banded rivulus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Green-banded rivulus live?

The Green-banded rivulus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Green-banded rivulus get?

The Green-banded rivulus grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Green-banded rivulus dangerous to humans?

No, the Green-banded rivulus is harmless to humans.

Is the Green-banded rivulus edible?

The Green-banded rivulus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwaardstaart-killivis sourced
English name
Green-banded rivulus sourced
Scientific name
Laimosemion xiphidius
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
3.0 verified

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 Laimosemion

More from the family Rivulidae

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