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Flagtail prochilodus (Semaprochilodus taeniurus) — Prochilodontidae

Flagtail prochilodus

Semaprochilodus taeniurus

The Flagtail prochilodus (Semaprochilodus taeniurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Prochilodontidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The flagtail prochilodus is a characin of the flannelmouth family (Prochilodontidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, silvery body and conspicuously striped tail and anal fins, with a ring-shaped, sucking mouth. As a detritivore it grazes algae, mud and organic matter from the bottom; it migrates upstream in large shoals to spawn. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flagtail prochilodus?

The Flagtail prochilodus has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Flagtail prochilodus live?

The Flagtail prochilodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Flagtail prochilodus get?

The Flagtail prochilodus grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Flagtail prochilodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Flagtail prochilodus is harmless to humans.

Is the Flagtail prochilodus edible?

Yes, the Flagtail prochilodus is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vlagstaart-prochilodus sourced
English name
Flagtail prochilodus sourced
Scientific name
Semaprochilodus taeniurus
Family
Prochilodontidae
Other names
Silver prochilodus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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

Same genus Semaprochilodus

More from the family Prochilodontidae

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