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Boulenger's curimata (Pseudocurimata boulengeri) — Curimatidae

Boulenger's curimata

Pseudocurimata boulengeri
Family: Curimatidae

The Boulenger's curimata (Pseudocurimata boulengeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador

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Description

The Boulenger's curimata is a toothless characin (Curimatidae) from fresh water of northwestern South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, silvery body without teeth and a small mouth. As a social bottom-dweller it swims in schools through rivers, streams and floodplains and eats fine detritus, algae and biofilm from the bottom. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Boulenger's curimata?

The Boulenger's curimata has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Boulenger's curimata live?

The Boulenger's curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador

How big does the Boulenger's curimata get?

The Boulenger's curimata grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Boulenger's curimata dangerous to humans?

No, the Boulenger's curimata 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
Boulenger's curimata sourced
Scientific name
Pseudocurimata boulengeri
Family
Curimatidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Pseudocurimata

More from the family Curimatidae

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