Fin's Fish Guide
The Glass headstander (Charax pauciradiatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and swamps.
Description
The glass headstander is a translucent, deep characin of the family Characidae (true tetras) reaching about 10 cm. The strongly compressed, almost transparent body has a humped back and an adipose fin (as in many characins); the species often swims at an angle with its head down, a posture that helps it search for prey among plants. It comes from northern and central South America and lives in schools in slow, densely vegetated water of rivers and swamps. As a small predator it hunts insects, zooplankton and small invertebrates. In the rainy season it spawns among the water plants. For its transparency and behaviour it occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Glass headstander?
The Glass headstander has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Translucent, deep-bodied small tetra with a humped back; often swims at an angle with the head down and has an adipose fin.
Where does the Glass headstander live?
The Glass headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and swamps.
How big does the Glass headstander get?
The Glass headstander grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Glass headstander dangerous to humans?
No, the Glass headstander is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Glass headstander edible?
The Glass headstander is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Charax
More from the family Characidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Glass headstander is one of 12,519 species in the app.