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Sabretooth characin (Galeocharax gulo) — Characidae

Sabretooth characin

Galeocharax gulo
Family: Characidae

The Sabretooth characin (Galeocharax gulo) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The sabretooth characin is a predatory characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, bright-silvery, laterally compressed body with a large mouth and prominent canine teeth. As an open-water predator it hunts smaller fish in rivers and lakes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sabretooth characin?

The Sabretooth characin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sabretooth characin live?

The Sabretooth characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Sabretooth characin get?

The Sabretooth characin grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Sabretooth characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Sabretooth characin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Saber-tandzalm sourced
English name
Sabretooth characin sourced
Scientific name
Galeocharax gulo
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Galeocharax

More from the family Characidae

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