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Darter characin (Microcharacidium eleotrioides) — Crenuchidae

Darter characin

Microcharacidium eleotrioides
Family: Crenuchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Darter characin (Microcharacidium eleotrioides) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northern South America; well-aerated clear small streams and swamps.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The darter characin is a tiny characin of the South American darter family (Crenuchidae) from northern South America. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a stocky, bottom-bound body resembling a goby more than an ordinary tetra. It is found mainly in well-oxygenated small creeks with fairly strong current and clear water, but is highly adaptable and also occurs in swamps. On the bottom it hops from spot to spot and hunts small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Darter characin?

The Darter characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Goby-like dwarf characin that hops across the bottom; highly adaptable to streams and swamps.

Where does the Darter characin live?

The Darter characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern South America; well-aerated clear small streams and swamps.

How big does the Darter characin get?

The Darter characin grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Darter characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Darter characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Darter characin edible?

The Darter characin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Darter characin sourced
Scientific name
Microcharacidium eleotrioides
Family
Crenuchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Northern South America; well-aerated clear small streams and swamps. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Goby-like dwarf characin that hops across the bottom; highly adaptable to streams and swamps. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Crenuchidae

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