Fin's Fish Guide
The Pike characin (Belonophago tinanti) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The pike characin is an African characin of the family Distichodontidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a strongly elongate, pike-like body with a long, pointed, beak-shaped mouth full of small teeth, adapted to a predatory way of life. It lives in rivers with flowing water and is an ambush and stalking predator hunting small fishes; some relatives also nip pieces from the fins of other fishes. Owing to its modest size the species is of limited fishery interest. The pike characin is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pike characin?
The Pike characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pike-like body with a long, beak-shaped mouth full of small teeth; stalking predator of small fishes.
Where does the Pike characin live?
The Pike characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Central Africa; rivers with flowing water of the Congo basin.
How big does the Pike characin get?
The Pike characin grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Pike characin dangerous to humans?
No, the Pike characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pike characin edible?
The Pike characin is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Pike characin?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Belonophago
More from the family Distichodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Pike characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pike characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.