Pike Characin

Possesses a minute spot behind the opercle; lateral line scales 91-131; small eye 17.9-34.1% head length; snout length 32.5-50.0% head length (Ref. 52916).

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3 - 5; Analsoft rays: 22 - 30

Common in black and clear water streams and rivers, as well as lagoons and other off-channel habitats associated with whitewater rivers (Ref. 52916). Prefers slow currents and a silty or sandy bottom. Like other species of the genus, it is a formidable predator (Ref. 12225). Piscivore (Ref. 76754); however, it consumes insects during the dry periods of the year (Ref. 27188).

Common in black and clear water streams and rivers, as well as lagoons and other off-channel habitats associated with whitewater rivers (Ref. 52916). Prefers slow currents and a silty or sandy bottom. Like other species of the genus, it is a formidable predator (Ref. 12225). Strict piscivore; however, it consumes insects during the dry periods of the year (Ref. 27188).

aquarium: commercial

The pike characin (Acestrorhynchus microlepis) is a species of fish in the family Acestrorhynchidae. It was described by Sir William Jardine, 7th Baronet in 1841, originally under the genus Hydrocyon. It inhabits the Orinoco and Amazon Rivers in the regions of Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana, at a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It reaches a maximum total length of 37 cm (15 in), and a maximum weight of 230 g (8.1 oz).

The pike characin feeds on bony fish. It is marketed for the aquarium hobby.