Fin's Fish Guide
The Guyana parodon (Parodon guyanensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Parodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas), in clear, fast-flowing rivers and creeks with stony bottoms.
Description
The Guyana parodon is a slender, streamlined characin of the family Parodontidae reaching about 12 cm. The torpedo-shaped body has a flat belly, an inferior mouth and spatulate teeth with which the fish scrapes growth off stones; the large, downward-directed pectoral fins help it stay on the bottom in strong current. The species lives in clear, fast-flowing rivers and creeks with stony bottoms in northern South America, the Guianas. As a plant-eater it scrapes algae and growth off rocks, supplemented with small invertebrates. In the rainy season it spawns. Through its life in fast water it is adapted to living against the current and helps keep the stony substrate clean.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guyana parodon?
The Guyana parodon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, streamlined small characin with an inferior mouth and spatulate teeth with which it scrapes biofilm from stones in flowing water.
Where does the Guyana parodon live?
The Guyana parodon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas), in clear, fast-flowing rivers and creeks with stony bottoms.
How big does the Guyana parodon get?
The Guyana parodon grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Guyana parodon dangerous to humans?
No, the Guyana parodon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guyana parodon edible?
The Guyana parodon is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Guyana parodon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guyana parodon is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parodon
More from the family Parodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Guyana parodon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guyana parodon is one of 12,519 species in the app.