Naked characin (Gymnocharacinus bergii)

Scientific name: Gymnocharacinus bergii Steindachner, 1903

Naked characin (Gymnocharacinus bergii)

The Naked characin (Gymnocharacinus bergii) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Native range: South America, Valcheta stream in Rio Negro basin, Southern Argentina.

Naked characin care at a glance

Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

Biology

Medium sized fish considered to be the most southern characid living in temperate waters. Young with very tiny soft and delicate scales which are reabsorbed into the skin making the skin greasy and often with granulated or spongy appearance.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gymnocharacinus bergii
Family: Characidae (Characins)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.5
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: South America: Valcheta stream in Rio Negro basin, Southern Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN) (A2ce, B1+2c)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm=1)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026