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Twospot biara (Steindachnerina bimaculata) — Curimatidae

Twospot biara

Steindachnerina bimaculata
Family: Curimatidae

The Twospot biara (Steindachnerina bimaculata) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Twospot biara is a detritivorous characin (Curimatidae) from rivers and floodplains of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a silvery body with a toothless, inferior mouth. As a detritus feeder it grazes over soft bottoms on organic mud, algae and micro-organisms. It forms large schools. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twospot biara?

The Twospot biara has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Twospot biara live?

The Twospot biara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

How big does the Twospot biara get?

The Twospot biara grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Twospot biara dangerous to humans?

No, the Twospot biara 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 Twospot biara edible?

Yes, the Twospot biara is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Twospot biara sourced
Scientific name
Steindachnerina bimaculata
Family
Curimatidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.3 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material inferred
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 Steindachnerina

More from the family Curimatidae

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