Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver curimatid (Psectrogaster rutiloides) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The silver curimatid is a characin of the detritivore family (Curimatidae) from northern South America. The species has a deep, silvery body and lacks teeth in the mouth; instead it has a muscular stomach to process bottom silt. It lives in schools in rivers, lakes and floodplains of the Amazon basin. As a detritivore it feeds on organic bottom material, diatoms and algae. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver curimatid?
The Silver curimatid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Toothless mouth with a muscular stomach to process bottom silt; schooling detritus feeder.
Where does the Silver curimatid live?
The Silver curimatid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon basin in South America; rivers, lakes and floodplains.
How big does the Silver curimatid get?
The Silver curimatid grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Silver curimatid dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver curimatid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver curimatid edible?
Yes, the Silver curimatid is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Silver curimatid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver curimatid is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Psectrogaster
More from the family Curimatidae
Want the complete picture on the Silver curimatid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver curimatid is one of 12,519 species in the app.