Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallscale hemiodus (Hemiodus microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Hemiodontidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Description
The smallscale hemiodus is a slender characin from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The species grows to about 24 cm and has a streamlined, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with small scales and often a dark spot or stripe extending into the lower tail lobe. It schools fast in open water of rivers and feeds on algae, detritus, small zooplankton and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallscale hemiodus?
The Smallscale hemiodus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small scales and a dark caudal stripe; fast schooling river characin
Where does the Smallscale hemiodus live?
The Smallscale hemiodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon and Orinoco basins
How big does the Smallscale hemiodus get?
The Smallscale hemiodus grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Smallscale hemiodus dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallscale hemiodus 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.
Is the Smallscale hemiodus edible?
The Smallscale hemiodus is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemiodus
More from the family Hemiodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallscale hemiodus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallscale hemiodus is one of 12,519 species in the app.