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Silver headstander (Rhytiodus argenteofuscus) — Anostomidae

Silver headstander

Rhytiodus argenteofuscus
Family: Anostomidae

The Silver headstander (Rhytiodus argenteofuscus) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
32 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The silver headstander is a characin of the headstander family (Anostomidae) from fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with dark longitudinal stripes and a small, upturned mouth. Characteristically it often holds itself at an angle with its head down among water plants and submerged wood. It eats water plants, algae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver headstander?

The Silver headstander has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Silver headstander live?

The Silver headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Silver headstander get?

The Silver headstander grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.

Is the Silver headstander dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver headstander is harmless to humans.

Is the Silver headstander edible?

Yes, the Silver headstander is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren kopstaander sourced
English name
Silver headstander sourced
Scientific name
Rhytiodus argenteofuscus
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Anostomidae

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