Pike characin
📖 Overview
Common in black and clear water streams and rivers, as well as lagoons and other off-channel habitats associated with whitewater rivers . Prefers slow currents and a silty or sandy bottom. Like other species of the genus, it is a formidable predator . Strict piscivore; however, it consumes insects during the dry periods of the year .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3 - 5; Anal soft rays: 22 - 30. Possesses a minute spot behind the opercle; lateral line scales 91-131; small eye 17.9-34.1% head length; snout length 32.5-50.0% head length .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pike characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pike characin is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Pike characin is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.5 - 6.5. Tropical; 18°C - 28°C South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins and rivers of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pike characin is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Pike characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pike characin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acestorhynchus microlepis | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
| Acestrorhynchus apurensis | Toledo-Piza & Menezes | 1996 | Synonym |
| Acestrorhynchus cachorro | Fowler | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acestrorhynchus guianensis | Menezes | 1969 | Synonym |
| Hydrocyon microlepis | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 269 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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