Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted pike-characin (Boulengerella maculata) is a freshwater fish of the family Ctenoluciidae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
The spotted pike-characin is a slender predatory characin from South America, occurring in the Amazon, Tocantins and Orinoco. It grows to about 32 cm and has an elongate, pike-like, silvery body with dark spots over the upper side and a marbled caudal fin. The long, tapering jaws form a beak-like mouth used to catch other fish. The fish lives in the open water of tropical rivers and hunts just below the surface. It is of local fisheries value and is also kept in public aquaria. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted pike-characin?
The Spotted pike-characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Long beak-like jaws; pike-like predatory characin that hunts just below the surface
Where does the Spotted pike-characin live?
The Spotted pike-characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Amazon, Tocantins and Orinoco basins
How big does the Spotted pike-characin get?
The Spotted pike-characin grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.
Is the Spotted pike-characin dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted 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.
Is the Spotted pike-characin edible?
The Spotted pike-characin is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Spotted pike-characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted pike-characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Boulengerella
More from the family Ctenoluciidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted pike-characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted pike-characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.