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Sabretooth characin (Galeocharax gulo) — Characidae

Sabretooth characin

Galeocharax gulo
Family: Characidae

The Sabretooth characin (Galeocharax gulo) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru

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Description

The sabretooth characin is a predatory characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, bright-silvery, laterally compressed body with a large mouth and prominent canine teeth. As an open-water predator it hunts smaller fish in rivers and lakes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sabretooth characin?

The Sabretooth characin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sabretooth characin live?

The Sabretooth characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the Sabretooth characin get?

The Sabretooth characin grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Sabretooth characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Sabretooth 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
Sabretooth characin sourced
Scientific name
Galeocharax gulo
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.8 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, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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 Galeocharax

More from the family Characidae

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