Opal pearlfish (Leptolebias opalescens)

Scientific name: Leptolebias opalescens Myers, 1942

The Opal pearlfish (Leptolebias opalescens) is a freshwater fish of the family Rivulidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–27°C (72–81°F). Native range: South America, Atlantic coastal river basin in Brazil. Listed as Vulnerable in IUCN 2004 and listed in Appendix II of CITES.

Opal pearlfish care at a glance

Temperature
22–27°C (72–81°F)

Biology

Aquarium conditions preferred: pH=6.8, H=7, 25?C, with rocks, plants and driftwood. Carnivorous, egg laying and peaceful community fish. Bottom spawner, 4 months incubation. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Leptolebias opalescens
Family
Rivulidae (Rivulines)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
South America: Atlantic coastal river basin in Brazil. Listed as Vulnerable in IUCN 2004 and listed in Appendix II of CITES.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (B1+2ac+3bd)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
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.

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