Killifish
Austrolebias cinereus
Photo: Photo: W.S.Serra via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
Austrolebias cinereus is a small annual killifish endemic to temporary wetlands in South America, characterized by its compressed body and distinctive grayish coloration that gives it its common name. These fish play a crucial role in their ephemeral aquatic ecosystems as both predators of invertebrates and prey for birds and larger fish during the brief periods when their seasonal pools contain water.
Austrolebias cinereus faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities that alter or destroy its temporary pool habitats.
Habitat
Austrolebias cinereus inhabits shallow temporary pools, seasonal wetlands, and ephemeral ponds that fill during rainy seasons and dry completely during drought periods. These habitats are typically found in grassland and savanna regions with clay or sandy substrates that retain water temporarily.
Other threatened species in Rivulidae
Threatened in Uruguay
Frequently asked questions
Why is Killifish classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Killifish live?
What are the main threats to Killifish?
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