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Blackanal headstander (Anostomoides atrianalis) — Anostomidae

Blackanal headstander

Anostomoides atrianalis
Family: Anostomidae

The Blackanal headstander (Anostomoides atrianalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Venezuela

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Description

The blackanal headstander is a characin of the headstander family (Anostomidae) from fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with dark crossbars or blotches and a small mouth. Characteristically it often holds itself at an angle, head down, among water plants and submerged wood and grazes algae, biofilm and small invertebrates from the substrate. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackanal headstander?

The Blackanal headstander has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Blackanal headstander live?

The Blackanal headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Venezuela

How big does the Blackanal headstander get?

The Blackanal headstander grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Blackanal headstander dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackanal headstander 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
Blackanal headstander sourced
Scientific name
Anostomoides atrianalis
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No 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

Same genus Anostomoides

More from the family Anostomidae

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