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Largelip killifish (Profundulus labialis) — Profundulidae

Largelip killifish

Profundulus labialis
Family: Profundulidae
LC · Least Concern

The Largelip killifish (Profundulus labialis) is a freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Highlands of Chiapas (southern Mexico) and Guatemala.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The largelip killifish is a small freshwater fish of the family Profundulidae, endemic to the highlands of Central America, in Chiapas (southern Mexico) and Guatemala. The species reaches about 10 cm and is conspicuous for its strikingly thick lips, to which the species name refers. It inhabits clear mountain streams and brooks with a stony bottom. As an omnivore the fish feeds on insects, small invertebrates and plant matter. Profundulids form a small, ancient family found only in Central America. Through its limited range and habitat loss the species' habitat is locally under pressure.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largelip killifish?

The Largelip killifish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strikingly thick lips (hence labialis); mountain stream dweller of the Central American highlands.

Where does the Largelip killifish live?

The Largelip killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Highlands of Chiapas (southern Mexico) and Guatemala.

How big does the Largelip killifish get?

The Largelip killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Largelip killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Largelip killifish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Largelip killifish edible?

The Largelip killifish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Largelip killifish sourced
Scientific name
Profundulus labialis
Family
Profundulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
10 sourced
Average length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Spots
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Superior (upward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Highlands of Chiapas (southern Mexico) and Guatemala.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, small invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Strikingly thick lips (hence labialis); mountain stream dweller of the Central American highlands. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Profundulus

More from the family Profundulidae

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