Mylossoma aureum (Spix & Agassiz 1829)

This species differs from all its congeners by having the last abdominal spine clearly separated from the anal-fin origin (vs. last abdominal spine reaching the anal-fin origin or almost) and with total vertebrae 38-39 (vs. 35-37) (Ref. 117280).

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Vertebrae: 38 - 39

Frugivores, consumed fruits and seeds which represented more than 60% of the mean relative occurrence of the stomachs (Ref. 76754).

Considered an omnivore with high tendency to herbivory, feeding mainly on vegetal matter and invertebrates. Reported to be highly fecund, fast growing with high mortality rates in early life stages and undertakes reproductive migrations, and the spawning occurs during the flood season, mainly in white waters rivers and associated wetlands, It is of moderate importance in commercial fisheries (Ref. 117280).

fisheries: minor commercial

Mylossoma aureum is a species of serrasalmid native to the Amazon and Orinoco Basins in South America. This species grows to a total length of 20 cm (7.9 in). This species is of some importance to local commercial fisheries, but less so than the closely related M. albiscopum of the same region. It is a fast breeder and rapidly reaches adulthood. It breeds in whiterwater rivers and associated wetlands. It is omnivorous, but mostly feed on plant material.