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Natterer's freshwater sole (Apionichthys nattereri) — Achiridae

Natterer's freshwater sole

Apionichthys nattereri
Family: Achiridae

The Natterer's freshwater sole (Apionichthys nattereri) is a freshwater fish of the family Achiridae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Flatfish
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Ecuador, Peru

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Description

The Natterer's freshwater sole is an American freshwater sole (Achiridae) from lower river reaches and estuaries of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a round to oval, strongly flattened body with both eyes on the right side and a brown mottled upper side for camouflage. As a bottom-bound fish it lies half-buried in sand and mud and searches for small worms, crustaceans and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Natterer's freshwater sole?

The Natterer's freshwater sole has a flatfish-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Natterer's freshwater sole live?

The Natterer's freshwater sole lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Ecuador, Peru

How big does the Natterer's freshwater sole get?

The Natterer's freshwater sole grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Natterer's freshwater sole dangerous to humans?

No, the Natterer's freshwater sole 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
Natterer's freshwater sole sourced
Scientific name
Apionichthys nattereri
Family
Achiridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.4 verified
Body shape
Flatfish sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Apionichthys

More from the family Achiridae

Fin

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