Longtail knifefish (Sternopygus macrurus) fish species and information / pictures of Longtail knifefish - Sternopygus macrurus

Longtail knifefish (Sternopygus macrurus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Sternopygus macrurus

Common Name
Longtail knifefish

Biology
Occurs in swamps, creeks, and river with lentic waters. Preys on small invertebrates, particularly the larvae of aquatic insects. Breeds before the start of the rainy season or during the rainy season, with a fecundity count of 6473 eggs. Males persistently defend their territory and apparently make electric signals rates and interruptions thereof to females passing by to draw in a spawning partner. Mature females' EODs are of higher frequencies than mature males. Plasma androgens modulate the EOD frequency during the breeding season. Embryos hatch on day 4; larvae begin to feed on day 11. The electric organ and electroreceptors are both present in the larva at the time of first exogenous feeding. Seems to reach sexual m

Classification

Classified By
Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Knifefishes (Gymnotiformes)
Family
Glass knifefishes (Sternopygidae)

Distribution

Region
South America
Distribution
South America: Magdalena River basin; entire extent of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins below approximately 500 m elevation including Napo River of western Ecuador and Madre de Dios River of Peru; all drainages of the Guianas Shield; Atlantic drainages of northeastern Brazil ; S?o Francisco River basin; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Paraguay-Paran? River basin.
Range
Unknown

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
22 °C
Water Temperature To
28 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 4 - 15 benthopelagic
Trophic Level
3.22 s.e. 0.40 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
141 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5020 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
High vulnerability (63 of 100)
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
Not Evaluated