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💧 Freshwater 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

aquarium

Esmaeilius sophiae Heckel, 1847
Max Length
5.8 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.9
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

aquarium (Esmaeilius sophiae) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 5.8 cm. With a trophic level of 2.9, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Esmaeilius sophiae
Authority
Heckel, 1847
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Max Length
5.8 cm
Trophic Level
2.9
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Water Temp
20–30 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Esmaeilius
Esmaeilius
Species
aquarium
Esmaeilius sophiae

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal soft rays: 10 - 17. Females have fine spotting on the flank. Males have 10-21 bars .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory. Subtropical; 20°C - 30°C

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
2.9±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00955 × L3.23 (TL)
Max TL
5.8cm
Dorsal Rays
14
Anal Rays
14

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
20–30°C
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
15.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.9
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Heckel, 1847

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Esmaeilius Sophiae 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 aquarium is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for aquarium 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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