Fin's Fish Guide
The Shinyscaled curimata (Curimatopsis macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 6 cm.
South America; calm, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin.
Description
The largescale curimatopsis is a small South American characin of the toothless characin family (Curimatidae) from the Amazon basin. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with conspicuously large scales and a dark spot on the tail base. It lives in small groups in quiet, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks. As a bottom grazer and detritivore it feeds on algae, organic mud and detritus, taken from the bottom with its toothless mouth. Curimatids thus play a role in processing organic matter. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shinyscaled curimata?
The Shinyscaled curimata has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly large scales and a blotch on the caudal peduncle; toothless bottom grazer and detritivore.
Where does the Shinyscaled curimata live?
The Shinyscaled curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm, vegetated parts of rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin.
How big does the Shinyscaled curimata get?
The Shinyscaled curimata grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Shinyscaled curimata dangerous to humans?
No, the Shinyscaled curimata is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shinyscaled curimata edible?
The Shinyscaled curimata is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Curimatopsis
More from the family Curimatidae
Want the complete picture on the Shinyscaled curimata?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shinyscaled curimata is one of 12,519 species in the app.