Golden pike-characin
📖 Overview
Golden pike-characin (Boulengerella lucius) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ctenoluciidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 43 cm. With a trophic level of 4.5, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11; Vertebrae: 45 - 46. The location of the dorsal fin base distinctly anterior to the vertical through the anal fin origin distinguishes this species from all ctenoluciids except B. cuvieri and B. xyrekes, from which it can be distinguished by the dark pigmentation (spot) on the caudal fin and the pigmentation on the body.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Golden pike-characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 7.2; dH range: ? - 15. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C South America: Rio Amazonas and Río Orinoco basins.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Golden 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 Golden pike-characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Golden 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 | Golden Pike-characin · Pirapucu |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe agulha |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Lucio del Plata |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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