Moon fish
📖 Overview
Moon fish (Citharinus citharus), first described by Hilaire, 1809 is a large fish in the family Citharinidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 58.00 cm in maximum length and up to 7.000 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. 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 Citharinidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 21; Anal soft rays: 26 - 31. Diagnosis: body depth 1.8-2.7x and head length 3.0-4.1x SL; caudal peduncle 0.7-1.4x long than deep; short snout, slightly prominent; snout 0.7-1.6x eye diameter; eye diameter 3.7-6.1x head length; adipose-fin base shorter than distance separating it from rayed dorsal fin (ratio adipose base/distance to rayed dorsal is 0.5-0.8); pectoral fins 0.5-1.1x head length; cycloid scales; scale formula 22.5-25.5/77-92/22.5-25.5; 77-92 scales in longitudinal line; 17.5-20.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic fin; 17-21 dorsal fin branched rays; 26-30 anal fin branched rays . : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Moon fish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Total spawner .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; anadromous . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C known from Lake Turkana (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Moon fish 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 324 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Moon fish 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citharinus citharius | Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire | 1809 | Synonym |
| Citharinus citharus citharus | - | - | Synonym |
| Citharinus citharus intermedius | Worthington | 1932 | Synonym |
| Citharinus geoffroyi | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Distichodus marnoi | Steindachner | 1881 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmus citharus | Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire | 1809 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 78 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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