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Broadhead headstander (Anostomoides laticeps) — Anostomidae

Broadhead headstander

Anostomoides laticeps
Family: Anostomidae

The Broadhead headstander (Anostomoides laticeps) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The broadhead headstander is a headstander (Anostomidae) from the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with dark bands or spots and a small, protruding mouth. Characteristically it often swims at an angle with the head down, picking algae, biofilm, insect larvae and plant matter from among stones, roots and plants. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Broadhead headstander?

The Broadhead headstander has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Broadhead headstander live?

The Broadhead headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela

How big does the Broadhead headstander get?

The Broadhead headstander grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Broadhead headstander dangerous to humans?

No, the Broadhead 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.

Is the Broadhead headstander edible?

Yes, the Broadhead headstander is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Broadhead headstander sourced
Scientific name
Anostomoides laticeps
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Guyana, 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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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