Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859

Fig. 36

Body elongated; greatest depth contained 3.4 to 4.4 and caudal peduncle depth 4.8 to 6.0 times in SL; head length 3.3 to 4.1, predorsal distance 1.5 to 1.8 and gonopodium length 3.2 to 3.6 in SL; snout length 2.1 to 3.1, horizontal orbital diameter 2.2 to 3.5 and least interorbital width 1.5 to 2.3 in HL. Mouth superior, dentary prognathous; premaxilla and dentary with several small teeth. Longitudinal series with 26- 28 scales and transverse series with 8 or 9 scale rows. Dorsal fin with 8 or 9, pectoral fin with 13 or 14, pelvic fin with 6 and anal fin with 8 or 9 rays. Ground color pale yellow; scales with dark-brown border, conferring reticulate pattern to body; males with several black or colored spots and irregular stripes. Yellowish fins (males with black or colored spots); superior caudal-fin rays prolonged (Graça, Pavanelli, 2007).

Maximum standard length. 38.0 mm (Graça, Pavanelli, 2007).

Distribution. Drainages from Venezuela to río de la Plata basin.

Remarks. Poecilia reticulata is a non-native species from the upper rio Paraná and its occurrence can be associated with its introduction for insect larvae control.