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Darter characin (Characidium laterale) — Crenuchidae

Darter characin

Characidium laterale
Family: Crenuchidae

The Darter characin (Characidium laterale) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay

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Description

The Darter characin is a small characin bottom-fish (Crenuchidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 3.5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a row of dark blotches or a longitudinal stripe, and props itself on the bottom with its pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear streams among sand and leaf litter and eats small invertebrates and larvae. The fish 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.

Where does the Darter characin live?

The Darter characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Paraguay

How big does the Darter characin get?

The Darter characin grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Darter characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Darter characin 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
Darter characin sourced
Scientific name
Characidium laterale
Family
Crenuchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay 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

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 Characidium

More from the family Crenuchidae

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