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Gill's curimata (Cyphocharax gillii) — Curimatidae

Gill's curimata

Cyphocharax gillii
Family: Curimatidae

The Gill's curimata (Cyphocharax gillii) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay

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Description

The Gill's curimata is a toothless characin (Curimatidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a small, toothless mouth. As a detritivore it grazes algae, mud and organic matter from the bottom of rivers, streams and floodplains. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gill's curimata?

The Gill's curimata has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Gill's curimata live?

The Gill's curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Paraguay

How big does the Gill's curimata get?

The Gill's curimata grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Gill's curimata dangerous to humans?

No, the Gill's curimata 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
Gill's curimata sourced
Scientific name
Cyphocharax gillii
Family
Curimatidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
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 Cyphocharax

More from the family Curimatidae

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