Fin's Fish Guide
The Bouche coupante (Acrocheilus alutaceus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The chiselmouth is a cyprinid freshwater fish from northwestern North America, in the Columbia and Fraser drainages and the Harney basin, in Canada and the United States. It grows to about 30 cm and has a fusiform, grey body with brassy silver sides and a deeply forked tail. A distinctive feature is a hard, chisel-like plate on the lower jaw, used to scrape algae and diatoms from stones; juveniles also take surface insects. The intestine is about twice the body length and the peritoneum is black. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bouche coupante?
The Bouche coupante has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Hard chisel-shaped plate on the lower jaw for scraping algae; very long gut and black peritoneum
Where does the Bouche coupante live?
The Bouche coupante lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwestern North America
How big does the Bouche coupante get?
The Bouche coupante grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Bouche coupante dangerous to humans?
No, the Bouche coupante 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 Bouche coupante edible?
The Bouche coupante is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bouche coupante is one of 12,519 species in the app.