Fin's Fish Guide
The Amazon pellona (Pellona castelnaeana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The Amazon pellona is a large herring relative (Pristigasteridae) from fresh and brackish water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 80 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a golden tinge, a keeled belly edge and an upturned mouth. As a fast open-water predator it hunts smaller fish in rivers. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amazon pellona?
The Amazon pellona has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Amazon pellona live?
The Amazon pellona lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru
How big does the Amazon pellona get?
The Amazon pellona grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Amazon pellona dangerous to humans?
No, the Amazon pellona 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 pellona edible?
The Amazon pellona is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pellona
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Amazon pellona?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amazon pellona is one of 12,519 species in the app.