Latin name

Cynolebias constanciae

Identification

The body of Constancia's seasonal killifish (Cynolebias constanciae) is elongate and slightly laterally compressed.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal and anal fins are acutely elongated. The caudal fin is large and fan-shaped.

Fish colouring

Male Cynolebias constanciae have a brown body with dark longitudinal stripes. The rest of the body and fins are covered with dark and pearlescent spots. The distal ends of the anal and dorsal fins are blackish. The flanks exhibit a faint greenish-blue iridescence.

Female Cynolebias constanciae are brown in color with dark and whitish-pearl spots; a particularly large, single or double, rounded spot is present on the mid-body.

Distribution

This species is distributed in South America.

Habitat

A freshwater benthic species. It inhabits ephemeral water bodies that fill only during the rainy season.

Size

Maximum standard length is up to 5 cm. Females are smaller than males.

Behavior

During courtship, the male Cynolebias constanciae attempts to drive the female into the spawning substrate. Considerable effort may be required to stimulate the female, and this courtship behavior can persist for several days or even weeks. Unlike other members of the genus, males of this species are not aggressive toward one another.

Diet

Feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. The diet consists of insect larvae, crustaceans, and small aquatic worms.

Reproduction

Prior to the onset of the dry season, the fish deposit eggs into the substrate mud. The pond subsequently dries out completely. The adult fish perish, while the diapausing eggs remain viable in the dry mud for several months. When the pond refills with rainwater, the larvae hatch from the eggs. They reach sexual maturity and spawn within two to three months.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Used in aquariums.