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Llanos killifish (Austrofundulus transilis) — Rivulidae

Llanos killifish

Austrofundulus transilis
Family: Rivulidae

The Llanos killifish (Austrofundulus transilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Llanos killifish is a killifish (Rivulidae) from shallow pools, streams and swamps of the Llanos savanna of Venezuela. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body; males are brightly coloured with spots, marbling and coloured fin margins. Many relatives are annual: their eggs survive a dry period in the soil. As a bottom-oriented fish it snaps at insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Llanos killifish?

The Llanos killifish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Llanos killifish live?

The Llanos killifish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Llanos killifish get?

The Llanos killifish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Llanos killifish dangerous to humans?

No, the Llanos killifish 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.

Is the Llanos killifish edible?

Yes, the Llanos killifish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Llanos killifish sourced
Scientific name
Austrofundulus transilis
Family
Rivulidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
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 Austrofundulus

More from the family Rivulidae

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