Anableps microlepis
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| Anableps microlepis | |
|---|---|
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| Anableps microlepis from Meerzorg, Suriname | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Anablepidae |
| Genus: | Anableps |
| Species: | A. microlepis |
| Binomial name | |
| Anableps microlepis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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The finescaled four-eyed fish (Anableps microlepis) is a species of four-eyed fish found in coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Trinidad and Tobago down to southeastern Brazil.[3][4][5] They mostly inhabit brackish environments such as estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tidal mudflats. It grows to approximately 30 cm (12 in) in length.[3][6]
This fish mostly feeds on organic matter and small invertebrates. In Manzanilla, this fish was found to feed on sand crabs (Emerita portoricensis) and small bivalves (Donax denticulatus).[7] While looking for food, they travel up and down the coastline in large groups ranging from a dozen to more than a hundred fish.[7]
Like other members of Anableps, this species has eyes that are split into two lobes, allowing it to see above and below water at the same time.[8] They can be distinguished from the sympatric Anableps anableps by having smaller and more numerous scales (76-83 compared to the less than 64 of A. anableps).[6] They also have a left or right-leaning gonopodium like other Anablepidae members and give live birth.[9]