About Belonesox belizanus Kner, 1860
Belonesox belizanus, commonly called the pike topminnow, typically reaches a total length of 9.7 cm (3.8 in), with exceptional individuals growing as large as 20 cm (7.9 in). This species has an elongated body shape with a flattened dorsal profile. Its lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw and is upturned, and it has large eyes, with a dorsal fin positioned far back on the body. Its base body color is a pale olive-brown, with light green iridescence and small black spots along its flanks. The belly is a paler yellowish white, and a distinct dark spot is located at the base of the caudal fin. Belonesox belizanus is a livebearing fish. In terms of ecology, unlike most poeciliids, which are usually generalists or micropredators, this species is a highly specialized predator. It has an extremely flexible upper jaw that allows it to consume prey that is very large relative to its own body size.
