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Moroco (Pseudorasbora pumila) — Cyprinidae

Moroco

Pseudorasbora pumila
Family: Cyprinidae
EN · Endangered

The Moroco (Pseudorasbora pumila) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to Japan, in lowland wetlands.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Japanese dwarf pseudorasbora is a small cyprinid endemic to Japan. The species reaches only about 8 cm and has a slender, brownish to silvery body with a dark lateral stripe and a small, upturned mouth. It inhabits shallow, densely vegetated swamps, ditches and slow-flowing waters of lowland wetlands. As an omnivore the fish feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. Through large-scale loss and degradation of its wetland habitat the species has declined strongly and is assessed by the IUCN as endangered (EN).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moroco?

The Moroco has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Endangered Japanese endemic wetland species; strongly declined due to habitat loss.

Where does the Moroco live?

The Moroco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Japan, in lowland wetlands.

How big does the Moroco get?

The Moroco grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Moroco dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Moroco edible?

The Moroco is not usually eaten.

More photos

Moroco (Pseudorasbora pumila) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) r-fujii, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Moroco (Pseudorasbora pumila) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) r-fujii, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Moroco (Pseudorasbora pumila) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) r-fujii, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Moroco verified
Scientific name
Pseudorasbora pumila
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8 verified
Average length (cm)
6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Horizontal stripes
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Superior (upward)
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to Japan, in lowland wetlands.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae 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
Endangered Japanese endemic wetland species; strongly declined due to habitat loss. 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 Pseudorasbora

More from the family Cyprinidae

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