| Family: |
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids), subfamily: Poeciliinae |
| Max. size: |
4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 6.5 cm SL (female); max.weight: 2.6 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Central America: Costa Rica. Two subspecies were previously recognized: Priapichthys annectens annectens of the Atlantic drainage and Priapichthys annectens hesperis of the Río Tárcoles drainage on the Pacific drainage. |
| Diagnosis: |
Scales bordered in black which gives a cross-hatch pattern to the body, more intense along the midline of the side and sometimes resembles a series of X's along the body, The sides with 6 - 12 vertical bars, more conspicuous on the urosome and the intensity varies according to the geographical region of the population. Black elongate blotches present on the membranes of the dorsal fin base. First anal fin rays orange; other fins colorless. Eyes and cheeks reflect silvery green highlights (Ref. 36880). |
| Biology: |
Lives in currents of low to high velocity; in brooks and streams between 25-1270 m elevation; in temperatures of 17-35°C. Swims in small groups at all depths, over rock or sand substrata. Reproduces continuously all year round. Feeds on terrestrial and aquatic insects, especially ants and termites (Ref. 36880). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 September 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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