Species · GBIF taxon 2348092
Arabian Toothcarp
Aphanius disparAlso known as Mother-of-Pearl Fish, Arabian Killifish, Striped Toothcarp
Arabian toothcarps are remarkably hardy killifish adapted to survive extreme environmental fluctuations, thriving in hypersaline lagoons, thermal desert springs, and shallow coastal marshes alike. Males display shimmering iridescent vertical bars and broad fins during courtship, fiercely defending small territories against rivals to attract drabber females. Their voracious appetite for aquatic insect larvae makes them key controllers of mosquito populations in arid aquatic ecosystems across the Middle East.
EuryhalineDesert AquaticFreshwater
Licensed referenceBoulenger, George Albert; Loat, L. / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquito larvae
- Zooplankton
- Filamentous algae
Predators
- Herons
- Egrets
- Larger predatory fish
ThreatsGroundwater depletion, wetland drainage, pollution, and competition from introduced mosquitofish
HabitatsCoastal lagoons, mangrove creeks, salt pans, drainage canals, and inland desert springs
Life span2–4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCyprinodontidae
- SpeciesAphanius dispar
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look in shallow water: Scan calm edges of coastal pools and oasis channels where schools bask near the surface.
- Watch mating displays: Observe males showing off bright iridescent barring over sandy patches in warm weather.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel · cc0
Predator (c) Frank Sengpiel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Frank Sengpiel · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative
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