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💧 Freshwater Near Threatened 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Argentine pearlfish

Austrolebias bellottii Steindachner, 1881
Max Length
7 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
1 yrs
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

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. They feed on worms, crustaceans and insects . Bottom spawners, 4 months incubation. Is easy to maintain in the aquarium .

Scientific Name
Austrolebias bellottii
Authority
Steindachner, 1881
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
7 cm
Lifespan
1 years
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Water Temp
18–22 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Argentine pearlfish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Argentine pearlfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Argentine pearlfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Argentine pearlfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 5 - 8; non-migratory . Subtropical; 18°C - 22°C South America: Lower Paraná and Uruguay River basins.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.3±0.4
Food Items

worms, crustaceans and insects (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01995 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
7cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
18–22°C
pH Range
6.5–7
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2021

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Steindachner, 1881

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Argentine pearlfish is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Argentine pearlfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Argentine pearlfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English Annual Fish · Argentine pearlfish · Argentinean Pearlfish · Killifish
🌍AFR Argentynse Pêrelvis
🌍CES vějířovka modrá · vějířovka uruguayská
🇵🇱Polish wachlarek Belotta
🇵🇹Portuguese Rivúlo-argentino
🇷🇺Russian Аргентинская цинолебия
🇪🇸Spanish Azulejo bellotti · Killi Pavito · Pavito · Pez anual

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Austrolebias apaii Costa, Laurino, Recuero & Salvia 2006 Synonym
Cynolebias bellottii Steindachner 1881 Synonym
Cynolebias gibberosus Berg 1897 Synonym
Cynolebias irregularis Ahl 1938 Synonym
Cynolebias maculatus Steindachner 1881 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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