Edit Catoprion mento
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Name
Scientific name
Catoprion mento
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Serrasalmidae
Common names
Wimpel Piranha
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The wimpel piranha, Catoprion mento, is a scale-eating fish from Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil and Bolivia. Though not a true piranha…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–26°C, pH 5.8–6.5
Hardness
1–5dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil and Bolivia.
Habitat
Rivers, streams and tributaries. It is also found in the famous Pantanal wetlands of the Mato grosso, an area rich in aquatic plant life.
Aquarium size
A standard 120 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm - ~137 litres is big enough to house one of these for life.
Maintenance
Quite shy and prefers a tank with plenty of cover. Areas of dense planting, with perhaps some roots and branches added for extra effect and a dark substrate wo…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 26 °C pH: 5.8-6.5. These values correspond to its natural waters. It can adapt to more alkaline water, provided very quick or large changes a…
Diet
It feeds largely on the scales of both conspecifics and other species in nature, and has specially adapted teeth in order to do so. This doesn't mean you need …
Behaviour and compatibility
Not a species for the community tank. Small tankmates will be eaten, while larger fish can be stripped of fins and scales quite quickly. Some hobbyists report …
Sexual dimorphism
The male has a clearly convex anal fin, while the female does not.
Reproduction
Unreported.
Notes
This species is not actually a piranha in ichthyologic terms, being monotypic and therefore unique. It was so named due to its general resemblance to true pira…
References
References
No references