Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped anostomus (Anostomus brevior) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas and the Orinoco region), in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
Description
The striped anostomus is a slender, elongate characin of the family Anostomidae (headstanders) reaching about 12 cm. The body bears striking golden-yellow and black lengthwise stripes and has a small, upturned mouth. Like other headstanders it often swims at an angle with the head down, a posture suited to nibbling growth off stones and wood and searching among crevices. The species comes from northern South America, the Guianas and the Orinoco region, and lives in clear, flowing rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it eats algae and growth, supplemented with small invertebrates. In the rainy season it spawns. For its handsome stripes it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped anostomus?
The Striped anostomus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, elongate small characin with golden-yellow and black longitudinal stripes and a small, upturned mouth; often swims at an angle with the head down.
Where does the Striped anostomus live?
The Striped anostomus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas and the Orinoco region), in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
How big does the Striped anostomus get?
The Striped anostomus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Striped anostomus dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped anostomus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped anostomus edible?
The Striped anostomus is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Anostomus
More from the family Anostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped anostomus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped anostomus is one of 12,519 species in the app.