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Matrincha (Brycon cephalus) — Bryconidae

Matrincha

Brycon cephalus
Family: Bryconidae

The Matrincha (Brycon cephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Bryconidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Matrincha is a characin (Characidae) from clear rivers and streams of the Amazon basin in South America. The species has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with an adipose fin and strong teeth. As a social, active fish it swims in the middle and upper layer of flowing water and eats insects, fruit, seeds, small fish and plant matter. Larger species are locally a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Matrincha?

The Matrincha has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Matrincha live?

The Matrincha lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Matrincha get?

The Matrincha grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Matrincha dangerous to humans?

No, the Matrincha is harmless to humans.

Is the Matrincha edible?

Yes, the Matrincha is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Matrincha-zalm sourced
English name
Matrincha sourced
Scientific name
Brycon cephalus
Family
Bryconidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Brycon

More from the family Bryconidae

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