Scientific Name
Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus

Common Name
Aimara

Biology
Inhabits swamps and creeks with little current (Ref. 12225), as well as in flooded savannas (Ref. 27188). Regularly goes to the surface of the water to breathe. Can survive long periods out of the water. This behavior of breathing air at the surface makes the fish vulnerable to predation by electric eels (Ref. 27188). Is a predaceous omnivore of open waters. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates and to lesser degree, on fish. Specimens measuring 16 cm were found to be mature (Ref. 12225).

Classification

Classified By

Spix & Agassiz, 1829

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Trahiras (Erythrinidae)

Distribution

Region

Central and South America

Distribution

Central and South America: S?o Francisco, Amazon, Paran?, Orinoco and Magdalena River basins, and coastal rivers in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

27 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

pelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 5.6 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 30 pelagic

Trophic Level

3.41 s.e. 0.49 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

25.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.6250 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (13 of 100)

Resilience

Unknown

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated