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Straightmouth hemiodus (Hemiodus orthonops) — Hemiodontidae

Straightmouth hemiodus

Hemiodus orthonops
Family: Hemiodontidae

The Straightmouth hemiodus (Hemiodus orthonops) is a freshwater fish of the family Hemiodontidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The straightmouth hemiodus is a characin (Hemiodontidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 31 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a spot on the flank and a stripe on the lower tail lobe. As a fast schooling fish it swims in clear rivers and eats algae, plant material, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Straightmouth hemiodus?

The Straightmouth hemiodus has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Straightmouth hemiodus live?

The Straightmouth hemiodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Straightmouth hemiodus get?

The Straightmouth hemiodus grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Straightmouth hemiodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Straightmouth hemiodus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rechtbek-hemiodus sourced
English name
Straightmouth hemiodus sourced
Scientific name
Hemiodus orthonops
Family
Hemiodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
31.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hemiodus

More from the family Hemiodontidae

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