Oxyzygonectes dovii (Günther, 1866)

Taxonomic Classification

The white-eye, Oxyzygonectes dovii, is a species of killifish belonging to the family Anablepidae. This species is the only member both of its genus Oxyzygonectes and of the subfamily Oxyzygonectinae.

Distribution Range

It is found in Pacific drainages across Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Distinctive Reproductive Morphology

Unlike other members of the Anablepidae family, O. dovii does not have a gonopodium.

Fin Positioning

Its dorsal and anal fins are positioned toward the rear of the body, located just before the caudal peduncle and well behind the midpoint of the body.

Maximum Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of about 15 centimetres, or 6 inches.

Habitat Salinity

A large number of individuals inhabit brackish waters.

Elevation Range

They occupy low-elevation rivers located up to 15 metres (50 feet) above sea level.

Diet Composition

Their diet consists of detritus, algae, and occasionally terrestrial insects.

Breeding Habitat

While this species occurs in estuaries, it breeds in freshwater.

Captive Breeding Status

It is not a seasonal killifish, and O. dovii has been successfully bred in captivity.