Fin's Fish Guide
The Guatemalan glass characin (Roeboides guatemalensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Central America; Atlantic (Caribbean) slope, including Panama (Lake Gatun, Chagres River).
Description
The Guatemalan glass headstander is a Central American characin of the family Characidae from the Atlantic (Caribbean) slope of Central America. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a deep, strongly translucent body with a shining sheen and a spot on the tail base. It often holds itself at an angle, head down, in the water column. Notable is its feeding: it is a scale-eater (lepidophage) that with outward-projecting teeth scrapes scales from the flanks of other fishes, supplemented with insects and small invertebrates. Owing to a restricted range the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guatemalan glass characin?
The Guatemalan glass characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Translucent scale-eater (lepidophage) that scrapes scales off other fishes; near threatened (NT).
Where does the Guatemalan glass characin live?
The Guatemalan glass characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; Atlantic (Caribbean) slope, including Panama (Lake Gatun, Chagres River).
How big does the Guatemalan glass characin get?
The Guatemalan glass characin grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Guatemalan glass characin dangerous to humans?
No, the Guatemalan glass characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guatemalan glass characin edible?
The Guatemalan glass characin is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Roeboides
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Guatemalan glass characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guatemalan glass characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.