Charco Palma pupfish
📖 Overview
The springs at Ojo Charco Azul (= Barreno) are part of the Bolsón de Sandia complex, at 1600 m above sea level, and at the foot of Sierra Montelongo Pedregoso. The area is semiarid, with cacti other succulents; a densely woody area of cedar around the springs, except on the eastern side. Formerly the water was crystal clear at 19-20°C, but recently after depletion, the water is brown. Aquatic vegetation includes Ceratophyllum, Potamogeton, Typha, Eleocharis, Lemna, Utricularia, Scirpus, and Chara; crayfish Cambarellus sp. was observed. The bottom is loamy or muddy . Not a seasonal killifish. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: maxilla short 0.70-0.77 times in anal fin base; head large 2.7-2.9 times in SL; male with 6-7 diffused dark bars along sides, covering only upper half of body; female with an irregular ocellus on dorsal fin, its black spot half-moon shaped, smaller than a pupil; eye 1-1.2 times in anal fin base; postdorsal-postanal 0.9-1.1 times in caudal peduncle length; anal fin usually smaller than its congeners, 3-3.9 times in head length; teeth absent on 4th ceratobranchial; dorsal fin inserted behind pelvic origin; nuptial males violaceous blue .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Charco Palma pupfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory . Tropical Central America: Río San Juan system, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Charco Palma pupfish is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Charco Palma pupfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Charco Palma pupfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Charco Palma pupfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.