Whitespot (Aplocheilus armatus)

  Whitespot (Aplocheilus armatus)

A mature male Whitespot found in a stagnant pool of water at the edge of a forest.

Family: Aplocheilidae

Species Name: Aplocheilus armatus
Common Name: Whitespot, Whitespot Toothcarp
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater to brackish water bodies such as streams, catchments and ponds.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (Red Data Book 3)

Arguably the most widespread and common freshwater fish in Singapore. Thanks to its adaptability, our only native killifish can be found in a huge variety of freshwater and brackish habitats ranging from drains to mangrove swamps. They are relatively small fish that grow up to 8cm in length. Primarily a surface dweller, the Whitespot actively seeks out food such as fallen insects but won't hesitate to descend for other prey or to seek shelter. It is known to be used as mosquito control due to its adaptive nature.

The Whitespot can be confused with the introduced Striped Panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus) but the alien species displays a far more golden-yellow body and has stripes, which the Whitespot lacks. Both species however has a white spot on the head, which is what the native species named for.

The colouration most people would see the Whitespot in.

The non-native Striped Panchax displaying a much yellower body with visible stripes.

References

• Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
• National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.
• Yeo, D.C.J. and Lim, K.K.P. 2010. Aplocheilus lineatus, a non-native killifish (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae) in Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 3: 327–332. National University of Singapore.