Fin's Fish Guide
The Aimara jeju (Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Erythrinidae that grows up to 29 cm.
Fresh water of Central and South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of swamps, pools and rivers.
Description
The aimara jeju is a cylindrical predator of the family Erythrinidae reaching about 29 cm. The elongate, brownish body bears a dark lengthwise stripe and a conspicuous eyespot on the gill cover. Like relatives it can gulp air with its muscular swim bladder and so survive in warm, oxygen-poor swamp water, and wait out short droughts. The species comes from Central and South America and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of swamps, pools and rivers. As an ambush predator it lies still among plants and hunts fish, insects and crustaceans. The male guards a nest pit with eggs and young. It is a locally valued food fish and occasionally appears in the aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Aimara jeju?
The Aimara jeju has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Cylindrical predator with a dark longitudinal stripe and an eyespot on the operculum; can gulp air with the swim bladder in oxygen-poor water.
Where does the Aimara jeju live?
The Aimara jeju lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central and South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of swamps, pools and rivers.
How big does the Aimara jeju get?
The Aimara jeju grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Aimara jeju dangerous to humans?
No, the Aimara jeju is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Aimara jeju edible?
Yes, the Aimara jeju is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Erythrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Aimara jeju?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Aimara jeju is one of 12,519 species in the app.