Mediterranean killifish facts for kids

The Mediterranean killifish, also known as the Mediterranean banded killifish or South European toothcarp (Aphanius fasciatus), is a small type of fish. It belongs to the Cyprinodontidae family, which includes many "toothcarp" species. These fish are known for living in a variety of water conditions, especially salty or brackish waters.

Quick facts for kids Mediterranean killifish
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Cyprinodon fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821) Lebias fasciatus Valenciennes, 1821 Ciprinoides nanofasciatus Nardo, 1824 Aphanius nanus Nardo, 1827 Aphanius fasciatus Nardo, 1827 Lebias lineatopunctata Wagner, 1828 Aphanius lineatopunctatus (Wagner, 1828) Lebias sarda Wagner, 1828 Aphanius sarda (Wagner, 1828) Poecilia calaritana Cuvier, 1829 Aphanius calaritanus (Cuvier, 1829) Cyprinodon calaritanus (Cuvier, 1829) Lebias calaritana (Cuvier, 1829) Lebias calaritanus (Cuvier, 1829) Lebias flava Costa, 1838 Aphanius flavus (Costa, 1838) Lebias nigropunctata Schinz, 1840 Lebias nigropunctata Bonaparte, 1841 Aphanius nigropunctata (Bonaparte, 1841) Cyprinodon moseas Valenciennes, 1846 Aphanius moseasv (Valenciennes, 1846) Cyprinodon hammonis Valenciennes, 1846 Aphanius hammonis (Valenciennes, 1846) Cyprinodon cyanogaster Guichenot, 1859 Aphanius cyanogaster (Guichenot, 1859) Cyprinodon doliatus Guichenot, 1859 Aphanius doliatus (Guichenot, 1859) Micromugil timidus Gulia, 1861 Aphanius timidus (Gulia, 1861) Micromugil macrogaster Gulia, 1861 Aphanius desioi (Gianferrari, 1933)

About the Mediterranean Killifish

The Mediterranean killifish is a small, hardy fish. It can live in very salty water. This makes it special among fish species. Its scientific name, Aphanius fasciatus, was given by Valenciennes in 1821.

Where They Live

This fish is found in many countries around the Mediterranean Sea. It lives in places like Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Montenegro, Slovenia, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Their Natural Homes

Mediterranean killifish prefer specific types of homes. They live in saline lakes, which are lakes with high salt content. They also live in saline marshes, which are wet, grassy areas near the coast. Another common habitat is coastal saline lagoons. These are shallow bodies of water separated from the sea by sandbars.

What They Look Like

Mediterranean killifish are usually small. They have a body shape that helps them move easily through shallow waters. Males and females often look a bit different. Males might have brighter colors or more distinct patterns. This helps them attract mates during breeding season.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

These fish lay eggs to reproduce. They usually breed in warmer months. The eggs hatch into tiny fish called fry. The fry grow quickly in their salty environments.

Adapting to Salty Water

One amazing thing about the Mediterranean killifish is its ability to live in very salty water. Most fish cannot survive in such conditions. This fish has special ways to handle the salt. It can keep its body's salt levels balanced. This adaptation allows it to thrive where other fish cannot.