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Opal brycon (Brycon opalinus) — Bryconidae

Opal brycon

Brycon opalinus
Family: Bryconidae

The Opal brycon (Brycon opalinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Bryconidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Opal brycon is a large characin (Bryconidae) from fresh water of coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with powerful jaws. As a schooling, active river fish it eats a broad diet of insects, small fish, fruits and seeds falling into the water, thus playing a role in seed dispersal. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Opal brycon?

The Opal brycon has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Opal brycon live?

The Opal brycon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Opal brycon get?

The Opal brycon grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Opal brycon dangerous to humans?

No, the Opal brycon 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
Opal brycon sourced
Scientific name
Brycon opalinus
Family
Bryconidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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 Brycon

More from the family Bryconidae

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