Aphaniops dispar (Rüppell, 1829)
Arabian pupfish
Aphaniops dispar
photo by Hamidan, N.A.

Family:  Aphaniidae (Oriental killifishes)
Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine, non-migratory
Distribution:  Middle East: along the shores of the Red Sea and Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-11; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Description: males with 8-11and females with 9-11 dorsal-fin rays; males and females with 9-11 anal-fin rays; males and females with 14-17 pectoral-fin rays; males and females with 6-8 pelvic-fin rays (Ref. 96446).
Biology:  Occurs in coastal zones, also found in oasis pools with hypersaline to fresh water (Ref. 3788). Forms schools. Chiefly a herbivorous species (Ref. 13530). Spawn in areas where roots of hyacinth or other floating plants abound (Ref. 44327). Not a seasonal killifish. Very difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 March 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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