Laimosemion xiphidius (Huber, 1979)
Laimosemion xiphidius
photo by Vermeulen, F.

Family:  Rivulidae (Rivulines), subfamily: Rivulinae
Max. size:  4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); 3 cm TL (female); max. reported age: 3 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 6.5; dH range: 6, non-migratory
Distribution:  South America: Oyapock River basin and adjacent coastal drainages.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Especially found in very shallow parts of small brooks where water is brown and rich in tannin and the substrate consists of decaying vegetation (Ref. 35237). Stays in the shaded areas of small, slow flowing rivers, sympatric with R. geayi, R. agilae, R. lungi, and R. cladophorus. Sexual differentiation is possible at 4 months of age (Ref. 27188). Not a seasonal killifish (Ref. 27139). Reproduction is not so prolific; is considered difficult to maintain in the aquarium. Sexual differentiation is possible at 3 months but reproduction occurs for the first time at around one year (Ref. 35237). If pursued by a predator this species may jump on land where it rests for a few seconds before re-entering the water (Ref. 35237).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.