HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesLive bearers, Killifishes and RivulinesPupfishesLargescale pupfish Largescale pupfish (Cyprinodon macrolepis) Scientific name: Cyprinodon macrolepis Miller, 1976 The Largescale pupfish (Cyprinodon macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinodontidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–32°C (79–90°F). Native range: Central America, Mexico. Largescale pupfish care at a glanceTemperature26–32°C (79–90°F) BiologyNot a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameCyprinodon macrolepisFamilyCyprinodontidae (Pupfishes)OrderCyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length5.0EnvironmentFreshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratoryClimateTropicalDistributionCentral America: Mexico.Conservation status (IUCN)Endangered (EN) (A1abc+2bce, B1+2c, C2b)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026