Swordtail characin
📖 Overview
Swordtail characin (Corynopoma riisei), first described by Gill, 1858 is a tiny fish in the family Stevardiidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 4.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. 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 Stevardiidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Swordtail characin is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Swordtail characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Males deposit sperm capsules in the oviduct. Fertilization takes place at spawning without the male being present.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 25. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C South America: coastal rivers of Trinidad and northern Venezuela and from the Meta River basin.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Swordtail 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 Swordtail characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Swordtail 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 | Sword-Cheeked Tetra · swordfin characin · Swordtail characin |
| 🌍CES | tetra velkoploutvá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Riises dragefinnefisk |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Skrzelopiór białopłetwy |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Коринопома Ризей · Тетра-дракон |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Sardinita Cachete de Espada |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Swordtail characin.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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