Striped pike-characin
📖 Overview
Striped pike-characin (Boulengerella lateristriga), first described by Boulenger, 1895 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ctenoluciidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 25.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Ctenoluciidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 48 - 49. The location of the dorsal-fin base largely posterior of the vertical through the anal fin origin distinguishes this species from all congeners except B. maculata, from which it differs in possessing a narrow, dark, horizontal stripe extending from the rear of the orbit of the caudal peduncle, the presence of distinct, dark cross-bars on the lobes of the caudal fin, and absence of dark spots about the size of the pupil on the body.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Striped pike-characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 5.2 - 6.8; dH range: ? - 10. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C South America: Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil and southern portions of the upper Río Orinoco in Venezuela.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Striped 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 Striped pike-characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Striped pike-characin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Striped Pike-characin |
| 🌍CES | štikovka podélnopruhá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Stribet geddetetra |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Aicunga |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Широкополосая буланжерелла |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Agujeta |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiphostoma lateristriga | Boulenger | 1895 | Synonym |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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