Metynnis

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Metynnis
Metynnis argenteus

Metynnis argenteus

Systematics
Cohort : Otomorpha
Sub-cohort : Ostariophysi
Otophysa
Order : Tetras (Characiformes)
Family : Sägesalmler (Serrasalmidae)
Genre : Metynnis
Scientific name
Metynnis
Cope , 1878

Metynnis is a genus of relatively high-backed, disc-like tetra . The German name Scheibensalmler takes up this characteristic body shape. The genus is distributed in South America from the Orinoco to the Río de la Plata . The genus is absent in the catchment area of ​​the Rio Magdalena and in eastern Brazil, south of the Rio Sao Fancisco. They are freshwater fish with a mainly herbivorous diet.

features

The physique of all Metynnis - species is characterized by Hochrückigkeit and a strongly laterally compressed shape. Fish of the genus Metynnis reach a size of 12 to 16 cm standard length. Characteristic of the species is the long, relatively flat adipose fin , which allows easy differentiation from the genera Myleus and Myloplus . Furthermore, the genus is characterized by the presence of a predorsal spine, which is not visible in living animals. Furthermore, in Metynnis species, the abdominal teeth typical of the Sägesalmler subfamily are also located in front of the ventrals (pectoral fin).

The basic color of the Metynnis species is silvery. Stripe markings (e.g. Metynnis hypsauchen ) or dark spots ( Metynnis lippincottianus , Metynnis maculatus ) can appear in different species . Characteristic colored humeral spots can also be found here and there ( Metynnis mola ). The intensity of these drawing patterns is partly dependent on the mood. The sex distinction can be made on the basis of the anal fin. Males have bulging or more elongated anal fins in front, whereas females tend to have straight fins.

Aquaristics

Metynnis species are agile swimmers that should be kept in groups of 6 or more animals. The best known disc tetra in the aquarium hobby is the Dickkopf disc tetra ( Metynnis altidorsalis ; in older literature Metynnis schreitmuelleri or Metynnis hypsauchen ). Since they are herbivores, you can refrain from planting the aquarium; However, some plant species may remain unmolested by the animals. Successful offspring have been proven for Metynnis altidorsalis and Metynnis maculatus .

species

literature

  • Günther Sterba : The world's freshwater fish. 2nd Edition. Urania, Leipzig / Jena / Berlin 1990, ISBN 3-332-00109-4 .
  • Zarske & Géry: The revision of the neotropical genus Metynnis, 1. Evaluation of the type specimens of the nominal species. 1999
  • Zarske & Géry: The revision of the neotropical genus Metynnis, 2. Description of two new species and the status of Metynnis goeldi. 2008

Web links

Commons : Metynnis  - collection of images, videos and audio files