Grass-eater
📖 Overview
Marco-herbivores, feed on submerged plants, Eichornia roots and periphyton . Maximum length 62.5 cm SL .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 17. Diagnosis: mouth subterminal; body depth 2.7-3.6x and head length 3.3-5.5x SL; caudal peduncle 0.7-1.1x longer than wide; 12-15 scales between lateral line and scaly process at bases of pelvic fins; eye diameter 3.3 (juveniles)-7x head length; juveniles with vertical bars on sides . Round humeral spot present (less obvious in larger individuals); body never with small, dark, eye-sized spots . 83-94 lateral line scales . 21-26 or 21-27 total dorsal fin rays. 13-16 or 13-17 total anal fin rays. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Grass-eater is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15; potamodromous . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C
🌿 Ecology
submerged plants, Eichornia roots and periphyton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Grass-eater 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 Grass-eater is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Grass-eater 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distichodus martini | Steindachner | 1870 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 66 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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