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Winterbottom's headstander (Pseudanos winterbottomi) — Anostomidae

Winterbottom's headstander

Pseudanos winterbottomi
Family: Anostomidae

The Winterbottom's headstander (Pseudanos winterbottomi) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela

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Description

The Winterbottom's headstander is a headstander (Anostomidae) from rivers and streams of northern South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, elongate, silver-brown body with dark bands and a small, inferior mouth; it often swims obliquely head-down. As a bottom-oriented fish it picks among stones and plants for algae, insect larvae, seeds and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Winterbottom's headstander?

The Winterbottom's headstander has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Winterbottom's headstander live?

The Winterbottom's headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela

How big does the Winterbottom's headstander get?

The Winterbottom's headstander grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Winterbottom's headstander dangerous to humans?

No, the Winterbottom's headstander 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
Winterbottom's headstander sourced
Scientific name
Pseudanos winterbottomi
Family
Anostomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.2 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
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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 Pseudanos

More from the family Anostomidae

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