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Myers' curimata (Curimatopsis myersi) — Curimatidae

Myers' curimata

Curimatopsis myersi
Family: Curimatidae

The Myers' curimata (Curimatopsis myersi) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay

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Description

Myers' curimata is a small toothless characin (Curimatidae) from fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a dark spot on the tail base and a small, toothless mouth. As a detritivore it grazes algae, mud and organic matter from the bottom of quiet streams and rivers. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Myers' curimata?

The Myers' curimata has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Myers' curimata live?

The Myers' curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Paraguay

How big does the Myers' curimata get?

The Myers' curimata grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Myers' curimata dangerous to humans?

No, the Myers' 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Myers' curimata sourced
Scientific name
Curimatopsis myersi
Family
Curimatidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Paraguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Curimatopsis

More from the family Curimatidae

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