Pterolebias zonatus facts for kids

The Pterolebias zonatus is a type of fish that lives in fresh water. It belongs to the Aplocheilidae family. This fish is special because it is endemic to one specific area: the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela. This means it is only found naturally in that part of the world.

These fish like to live in open waters where the sun shines a lot. They can grow to be about 10 cm (3.9 in) long, which is about the length of a typical pencil. People sometimes keep Pterolebias zonatus as pets in aquariums.

Scientists often discuss which group, or "genus," this fish belongs to. It is sometimes placed in the genus Gnatholebias. In fact, it is considered the main example, or "type species," for that group. However, some scientists think that Pterolebias zonatus and another fish called Pterlolebias hoignei are not very closely related to other fish in the Pterolebias genus. This means the way the fish families are currently grouped might need to be changed to be more accurate.

Where Pterolebias zonatus Lives

This fish is found only in the Orinoco River basin. This large river system is mostly in Venezuela, a country in South America. The Pterolebias zonatus prefers parts of the river that are open and get plenty of sunlight.

Appearance and Size

Pterolebias zonatus is a small fish. It usually grows to about 10 centimeters (or 4 inches) long. This makes it a medium-sized fish for an aquarium. Its exact colors and patterns can vary, but it often has distinct markings.

Pterolebias zonatus as a Pet

Because of its interesting looks and size, Pterolebias zonatus is sometimes sold for the aquarium trade. This means people can buy them to keep in their home fish tanks. If you want to keep one, it's important to learn about its specific needs. This includes the right water conditions and food.

Scientific Classification

The way scientists group living things helps us understand how they are related. Pterolebias zonatus is part of the Aplocheilidae family. This family includes many types of killifish. Scientists are always learning more about fish families. They sometimes move species between different groups as new information is found. This is why you might see Pterolebias zonatus listed under different genus names.

See also

In Spanish: Gnatholebias zonatus para niños