Scientific Name
Roeboides descalvadensis

Common Name
Parana scale-eating characin

Biology
Found in inlets and backwaters of rivers and streams. Forages mostly at twilight, stalking larger fishes to feed on their scales. Approaches its intended prey stealthily and usually aims at its flank. Strikes mostly with its mouth closed, dislodging the scales with its stout, external and forward-directed teeth. The jarring strike dislodges a few scales which are swallowed immediately if taken in the mouth, or gathered as they sink. Also feeds on aquatic insects (Ref. 40383).

Classification

Classified By

Fowler, 1932

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Characins (Characidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Paraguay and lower Paran? River basins.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

26 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 5.8 - 6.8; dH range: ? - 8 benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.33 s.e. 0.46 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

8.9 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 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

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated