Fin's Fish Guide
The Despax's headstander (Hypomasticus despaxi) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Fresh water of north-eastern South America (the Guianas), in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms.
Description
Despax's headstander is a slender characin of the family Anostomidae (headstanders) reaching about 16 cm. The elongate, silvery body has a small, inferior mouth and an adipose fin (as in many characins); headstanders often swim at an angle with the head down, a posture suited to scraping growth off stones and searching among crevices. The species comes from the Guianas in northeastern South America and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms. As an omnivore it eats algae and growth off stones, supplemented with insect larvae and detritus. In the rainy season it spawns. Through its grazing it plays a role in the river ecosystem, and locally it is a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Despax's headstander?
The Despax's headstander has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender little characin with an inferior mouth and an adipose fin; often swims at an angle with the head down to scrape biofilm off stones.
Where does the Despax's headstander live?
The Despax's headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of north-eastern South America (the Guianas), in clear, flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms.
How big does the Despax's headstander get?
The Despax's headstander grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Despax's headstander dangerous to humans?
No, the Despax's headstander is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Despax's headstander edible?
Yes, the Despax's headstander is commonly eaten.
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All data
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More from the family Anostomidae
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