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Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) — Prochilodontidae

Streaked prochilod

Prochilodus lineatus
NativeIntroduced

The Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Prochilodontidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
5.0–? m
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Streaked prochilod is a flannelmouth characin (Prochilodontidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 80 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a round, fleshy, protrusible sucker mouth full of fine teeth. As a schooling, migratory bottom fish it sifts detritus, algae and bottom mud over sand and mud bottoms of rivers. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Streaked prochilod?

The Streaked prochilod has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Streaked prochilod live?

The Streaked prochilod lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

How big does the Streaked prochilod get?

The Streaked prochilod grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 46 cm.

Is the Streaked prochilod dangerous to humans?

No, the Streaked prochilod 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 Streaked prochilod edible?

Yes, the Streaked prochilod is commonly eaten.

More photos

Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) — Prochilodontidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) mik, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) — Prochilodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Pablo Edgardo Lucconi Grisolia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) — Prochilodontidae — 4
Gustavo Puente (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) — Prochilodontidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Paul Louis Oudart (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Streaked prochilod sourced
Scientific name
Prochilodus lineatus
Family
Prochilodontidae
Other names
Curimbata; Grumatá; Sabalo; Streaked prochilod; Tarpon prochilodus verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Average length (cm)
46.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Prochilodus

More from the family Prochilodontidae

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