Glass headstander
📖 Overview
Glass headstander (Charax gibbosus), first described by Linnaeus, 1758 is a small fish in the family Characidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 14.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Characidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Glass headstander is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Glass headstander is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 25. Tropical; 24°C - 27°C South America: Essequibo River basin, Guyana and coastal rivers of Suriname.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Glass headstander 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 Glass headstander is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Glass headstander 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cynopotamus gibbosus | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Eucynopotamus gibbosus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Salmo gibbosus | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Glass headstander.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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