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