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Characin (Leporinus friderici) — Anostomidae

Characin

Leporinus friderici
Family: Anostomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Characin (Leporinus friderici) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Leporinus friderici is an elongate freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae (headstanders), widespread across northern and central South America, including the Amazon basin and coastal rivers of the Guianas. It reaches about 30-40 cm and has a spindle-shaped, golden body usually marked with three dark blotches on the flank and a small mouth with prominent incisor-like teeth. Living in rivers and flooded forests, it feeds omnivorously on plant matter, seeds, algae and small invertebrates. The species is a locally valued food fish and is taken by anglers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Characin?

The Characin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Characin live?

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

How big does the Characin get?

The Characin grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Characin is harmless to humans.

Is the Characin edible?

Yes, the Characin is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drievlek-kopstaander inferred
English name
Characin verified
Scientific name
Leporinus friderici
Family
Anostomidae
Other names
Frederici's leporinus; Threespot leporinus verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked verified
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore verified
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Hengelen met plantaardig aas of stukjes fruit in rivieren inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Leporinus

More from the family Anostomidae

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