Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon hatchet herring (Pristigaster cayana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Amazon hatchet herring is a small freshwater herring from the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a conspicuously sharp, curved, hatchet-shaped belly edge. It forms schools in rivers and flooded areas and filters small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon hatchet herring?
The Amazon hatchet herring has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sharp axe-shaped belly edge; silvery schooling herring
Where does the Amazon hatchet herring live?
The Amazon hatchet herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Amazon basin
How big does the Amazon hatchet herring get?
The Amazon hatchet herring grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Amazon hatchet herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Amazon hatchet herring 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.
Is the Amazon hatchet herring edible?
The Amazon hatchet herring is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon hatchet herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon hatchet herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.