Acestrorhynchus falcatus (Bloch, 1794)
Acestrorhynchus falcatus
photo by Holm, E.

Family:  Acestrorhynchidae (Smallscale pike characins), subfamily: Acestrorhynchinae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 255.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins and rivers of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-5; Anal soft rays: 21-27. Possesses a humeral spot shaped as an oval or inverted teardrop, occupying not less than a quarter of the height of the body; caudal peduncle with a black spot covering between one third and almost the totality of its depth (Ref. 52916).
Biology:  Attains a length of around 20 cm. As indicated by its dentition and body form, it is a formidable predator which feeds exclusively on fish. A ubiquitous species, but frequently found throughout the length of waters with moderate flow. Reproduction begins with the onset of the rainy season (Ref. 12225).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 February 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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