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Aguana cuskeel (Exallodontus aguanai) — Pimelodidae

Aguana cuskeel

Exallodontus aguanai
Family: Pimelodidae

The Aguana cuskeel (Exallodontus aguanai) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
20.0–30.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela

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Description

The Aguana cuskeel is a cusk eel (Ophidiidae) of the deep continental slope in the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, elongate, pale body with long, confluent dorsal and anal fins and small eyes. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of the dark deep water it shelters in soft sediment and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aguana cuskeel?

The Aguana cuskeel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Aguana cuskeel live?

The Aguana cuskeel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela

How big does the Aguana cuskeel get?

The Aguana cuskeel grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Aguana cuskeel dangerous to humans?

No, the Aguana cuskeel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Aguana cuskeel sourced
Scientific name
Exallodontus aguanai
Family
Pimelodidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pimelodidae

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