#rivulidae

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

During the dry season, most fish are in grave danger of being left stranded on land- but not the mangrove rivulus! When their natural brackish pools dry up, members of this species simply burrow into the cavities of wet, rotting wood where they can wait for up to 2 months for the rains to replenish their water supply!

(Image: a mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) by Andy Turko)

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Mangrove Killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus)

Also known as the mangrove rivulus, the mangrove killifish is a species of New World killifish (Rivulidae) which occurs along the eastern coast of North, Central and South America, ranging from Florida to Brazil. As evidenced by its common name K. marmoratus typically inhabits mangroves and coastal brackish and saltwater areas with low oxygen content and bottom areas with silt cover

Interestingly recent studies have revealed that K. marmoratus posses the ability to spend up to 66 consecutive days outside of water. During this time it will enter burrows created inside trees, it will then relax and "alter" its gills so it can retain water and nutrients, while nitrogen is excreted through its skin! 

Classification

Animalia-Chordata-Actinopterygii-Cyprinodontiformes-Rivulidae-Kryptolebias-K. marmoratus

Image: D. Scott Taylor