Fin's Fish Guide
The Heller's curimata (Cyphocharax helleri) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
Heller's curimata is a small freshwater characiform of the family Curimatidae from northern South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a toothless mouth. It lives over sand and mud bottoms in areas with slow-moving current and feeds on detritus, which it digests in its gut. In schools it thus contributes to the breakdown of organic matter on the bottom. Like other characiforms it bears an adipose fin. The species has no commercial value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Heller's curimata?
The Heller's curimata has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Toothless, detritus-eating characin with an adipose fin.
Where does the Heller's curimata live?
The Heller's curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of northern South America.
How big does the Heller's curimata get?
The Heller's curimata grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Heller's curimata dangerous to humans?
No, the Heller'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.
Is the Heller's curimata edible?
The Heller's curimata is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyphocharax
More from the family Curimatidae
Want the complete picture on the Heller's curimata?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Heller's curimata is one of 12,519 species in the app.