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Elegant curimata (Steindachnerina elegans) — Curimatidae

Elegant curimata

Steindachnerina elegans
Family: Curimatidae

The Elegant curimata (Steindachnerina elegans) is a freshwater fish of the family Curimatidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Elegant curimata is a toothless characin (Curimatidae) from fresh water of eastern coastal rivers of Brazil. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a small, toothless mouth. As a detritivore it grazes algae, mud and organic matter from the bottom of rivers, streams and floodplains. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elegant curimata?

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

Where does the Elegant curimata live?

The Elegant curimata lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Elegant curimata get?

The Elegant curimata grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Elegant curimata dangerous to humans?

No, the Elegant curimata is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Elegant curimata (Steindachnerina elegans) — Curimatidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) joaorodsilva, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elegant curimata (Steindachnerina elegans) — Curimatidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) joaorodsilva, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elegant curimata (Steindachnerina elegans) — Curimatidae — 4
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ

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All data

Identification

English name
Elegant curimata sourced
Scientific name
Steindachnerina elegans
Family
Curimatidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore
Diet (detail)
Algae and plant material
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Steindachnerina

More from the family Curimatidae

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