Spotted pike-characin
📖 Overview
Overview information for Spotted pike-characin is currently being compiled by our editorial team.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12; Vertebrae: 46 - 49. The location of the dorsal fin base largely posterior of the vertical through the anal fin origin distinguishes the species from its congeners except for B. lateristriga. The lack of a dark, narrow stripe on the lateral surface of the body, the marmorated caudal fin pigmentation, and the series of dark pupil-size spots scattered over the dorsolateral and dorsal surfaces of the body contrast with the pigmentation of that species. They also differ in scale counts.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotted pike-characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Spotted pike-characin is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Spotted pike-characin is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 18. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C South America: Rio Amazonas, Rio Tocantins and Rio Orinoco.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spotted 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 Spotted pike-characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotted pike-characin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Spotted pike-characin |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bicuda · Pirapucu |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Agujeta · Gazza-challua · Picudo |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiphostoma taedo | Cope | 1872 | Synonym |
| Hydrocynus maculatus | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Xiphostoma maculata | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Xiphostoma taedo | Cope | 1872 | Synonym |
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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