Fin's Fish Guide
The Blanchard's perchelet (Glossamia aprion) is a freshwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Australia and New Guinea; still and slow-flowing streams, pools and swamps.
Description
The mouth almighty is a freshwater cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae from Australia and New Guinea. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a stocky, brownish mottled body with a conspicuously large mouth. It inhabits still or slowly flowing parts of streams, pools, lakes and swamps. As an ambush predator with its large mouth it engulfs small fishes, shrimps and insects. The English and Dutch names refer to that conspicuously large mouth. Like other cardinalfishes it is a mouthbrooder: the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blanchard's perchelet?
The Blanchard's perchelet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Strikingly large mouth with which it engulfs prey; the male broods the eggs in the mouth.
Where does the Blanchard's perchelet live?
The Blanchard's perchelet lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Australia and New Guinea; still and slow-flowing streams, pools and swamps.
How big does the Blanchard's perchelet get?
The Blanchard's perchelet grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Blanchard's perchelet dangerous to humans?
No, the Blanchard's perchelet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blanchard's perchelet edible?
The Blanchard's perchelet is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Blanchard's perchelet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blanchard's perchelet is one of 12,519 species in the app.