Facultative air-breathing in the genus ; Low conductivity, stagnant water, hypoxic-anoxic habitats, associated with emergent and floating vegetation . Encountered in shallow edges of a stream . Maximum length reported to reach 20 cm SL .
Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical South America: eastern South America from the Catatumbo River basin, Orinoco and the Guianas to La Plata River basin; Amazon River basin in Peru.
BoliviaBrazilGFPeruVenezuela
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.1±0.4
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.00372 × L3.06
(TL)
Max TL
18.6cm
Anal Rays
180
Vertebrae
81
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.1
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Hopkins, 1991
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"aquarium is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
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
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for aquarium is
currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for aquarium has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)