Isthmian priapella (Priapella intermedia)

Scientific name: Priapella intermedia ?lvarez & Carranza, 1952

The Isthmian priapella (Priapella intermedia) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–28°C (77–82°F). Native range: Central America, endemic to Mexico.

Isthmian priapella care at a glance

Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)

Biology

Found in loose aggregations in eddying currents or rapids, even leaping up out of the water to capture flying insects. Young occur in large number in the crevices of rocks along the banks, out of the current.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Priapella intermedia
Family: Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 5.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 pelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central America: endemic to Mexico.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026