Fin's Fish Guide
The Guiana longfin herring (Odontognathus mucronatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Pristigasteridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
Odontognathus mucronatus, the Guiana longfin herring, is a strongly laterally compressed herring-like fish of the family Pristigasteridae from coastal waters of northern South America. The species has a translucent, silvery, knife-shaped body with a very long anal fin and reaches about 22 cm. It occurs close inshore, off river mouths, in estuaries and sometimes travels some distance into fresh water, far up the Coppename in Suriname. It lives over sand and mud bottoms and feeds on plankton. The species forms schools and is of limited local fishery importance; it is marketed mainly fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guiana longfin herring?
The Guiana longfin herring has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Translucent, knife-shaped body with a very long anal fin.
Where does the Guiana longfin herring live?
The Guiana longfin herring lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Coastal waters, estuaries and river mouths of northern South America.
How big does the Guiana longfin herring get?
The Guiana longfin herring grows to a maximum of about 22 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Guiana longfin herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Guiana longfin herring 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.
Is the Guiana longfin herring edible?
The Guiana longfin herring is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Odontognathus
More from the family Pristigasteridae
Want the complete picture on the Guiana longfin herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guiana longfin herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.