Fin's Fish Guide
The Dogtooth characin (Cynodon gibbus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cynodontidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
The dogtooth characin is a dogtooth characin (Cynodontidae) from South America. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a conspicuously humped back and an upturned mouth with two very long canine teeth in the lower jaw. It lives in rivers and floodplains, often in the open water column. It is a pronounced predator that hunts mainly fishes and uses its long fangs to grip prey. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dogtooth characin?
The Dogtooth characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Humped back and two very long canine teeth in the lower jaw; fish-eating predator.
Where does the Dogtooth characin live?
The Dogtooth characin lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. South America; rivers and floodplains.
How big does the Dogtooth characin get?
The Dogtooth characin grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Dogtooth characin dangerous to humans?
No, the Dogtooth characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dogtooth characin edible?
The Dogtooth characin is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynodon
More from the family Cynodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Dogtooth characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dogtooth characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.