Scientific Name
Crenuchus spilurus

Common Name
Sailfin tetra

Biology
Little is known of its biology in its natural environment. Unlike most Characoids, this species is typically solitary and territorial. The dimensions of the mouth confirms its predatory habits. Its food consists mainly of Ephemeroptera larvae, copepods and ostracods. In the aquarium, only the male guards the spawned eggs. About a hundred eggs are deposited on the substrate and dispersed by the male. Reproduces by laying eggs on stones or submerged leaves.

Classification

Classified By

G?nther, 1863

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

South American darters (Crenuchidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Orinoco and Amazon River basins; and coastal rivers in the Guianas.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

24 °C

Water Temperature To

28 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

pelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 5.5 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 5 pelagic

Trophic Level

3.25 s.e. 0.42 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

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

5.7 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.0000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=60)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated