Argentine pearlfish (Austrolebias bellottii)

Scientific name: Austrolebias bellottii Steindachner, 1881

Argentine pearlfish (Austrolebias bellottii)

The Argentine pearlfish (Austrolebias bellottii) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae that grows to about 7 cm (2.8 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 18–24°C (64–75°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.0. Native range: South America, Lower Paran? and Uruguay River basins.

Argentine pearlfish care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
7 cm (2.8 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
18–24°C (64–75°F)
pH
6.5–7.0
Hardness
5–8 dGH (89–143 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Seasonal toothcarp living in waters that dry up during the dry season. The adult fishes die but the eggs survive in the mud and hatch in the next rainy season. Feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects. Bottom spawner, 4 months incubation. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Austrolebias bellottii
Family
Rivulidae (Rivulines)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
7.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 5 - 8 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
South America: Lower Paran? and Uruguay River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tmax=1)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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