Drop Knifefish
📖 Overview
Drop Knifefish (Gymnorhamphichthys britskii) is a ray-finned fish of the family Rhamphichthyidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished from its congeners except G. hypostomus in having 5-16 (usually 9-13) large dark saddle-shaped pigment bars over the dorsal midline, extending between the nape and a vertical with the end of the anal fin, and sometimes reaching to or slightly below the lateral line; differs from G. hypostomus in having 141-172 (vs. 178-211) anal-fin rays; a shorter snout, preorbital distance 48.1-60.3% of head length (mean 54.6%) (vs. 58.3-68.6%, mean 63.9%); a larger eye, with diameter 5.7-9.0% of head length (mean 7.0%) (vs. 3.3-5.9%, mean 4.3%); a longer distance from tip of snout to posterior nares, 17.1-22.0% of head length (mean19.2%) (vs. 11.2-17.1%, mean 13.8%); 7 (vs. 9-13) displaced hemal spines; and 64-69 (vs. 71-75) vertebrae to end of anal fin .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Drop Knifefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical South America: Paraguay.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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