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Rachow's darter characin (Characidium rachovii) — Crenuchidae

Rachow's darter characin

Characidium rachovii
Family: Crenuchidae

The Rachow's darter characin (Characidium rachovii) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

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Description

The Rachow's darter characin is a small characin bottom-fish (Crenuchidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 4.5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a row of dark blotches or a longitudinal stripe, and props itself on the bottom with its pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear streams among sand and leaf litter and eats small invertebrates and larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rachow's darter characin?

The Rachow's darter characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Rachow's darter characin live?

The Rachow's darter characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

How big does the Rachow's darter characin get?

The Rachow's darter characin grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Rachow's darter characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Rachow's darter characin 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
Rachow's darter characin sourced
Scientific name
Characidium rachovii
Family
Crenuchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay 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
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 Characidium

More from the family Crenuchidae

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