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Smallscale pike characin (Acanthocharax microlepis) — Characidae

Smallscale pike characin

Acanthocharax microlepis
Family: Characidae

The Smallscale pike characin (Acanthocharax microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Guyana, Venezuela

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Description

The smallscale pike characin is a South American characin (Acestrorhynchidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species has an elongate, silvery, pike-like body with fine scales and a large mouth full of sharp teeth. As a fast, lurking predator in the water column it hunts smaller fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallscale pike characin?

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

Where does the Smallscale pike characin live?

The Smallscale pike characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Guyana, Venezuela

How big does the Smallscale pike characin get?

The Smallscale pike characin grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Smallscale pike characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallscale pike 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
Smallscale pike characin sourced
Scientific name
Acanthocharax microlepis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Guyana, Venezuela 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Characidae

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