Gar characin
📖 Overview
Gar characin (Ctenolucius hujeta), first described by Valenciennes, 1850 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ctenoluciidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 26.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. 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 Ctenoluciidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11; Vertebrae: 42 - 46. Can be distinguished from C. beani by differences in body pigmentation, number of vertebrae, relative least depth of caudal peduncle, the alignment of the articulation between the sixth infraorbital and supraorbital, and number of lateral line scales.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gar characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Number of eggs between 1000 and 3000.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; dH range: ? - 22. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C South America: Río Magdalena and Río Sinú basins (northern Colombia) and rivers draining into Lago de Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Gar 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 Gar characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gar 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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