Classification / Names
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Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Characiformes (Characins) >
Characidae (Characins) > Incertae sedis
Etymology: Paracheirodon: Greek, para = the side of + Greek, cheir = hand + Greek, odous = teeth (Ref. 45335).
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 4.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12; non-migratory. Tropical; 23°C - 27°C (Ref. 1672)
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 2.5 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 38376)
South America: Upper Orinoco and Negro River basins.
Occurs mainly in shoals in the middle water layers. Feeds on worms and small crustaceans (Ref. 7020). Breeding in captivity is possible but difficult and most specimens in the aquarium trade are caught in the tributaries of the Rio Negro and Orinoco. Eggs hatch in 24 to 30 hours and fry are free-swimming after 3 to 4 days in captivity (Ref. 7020). One of the most popular and beautiful aquarium fishes. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).
Lima, F.C.T., L.R. Malabarba, P.A. Buckup, J.F. Pezzi da Silva, R.P. Vari, A. Harold, R. Benine, O.T. Oyakawa, C.S. Pavanelli, N.A. Menezes, C.A.S. Lucena, M.C.S.L. Malabarba, Z.M.S. Lucena, R.E. Reis, F. Langeani, C. Moreira et al. …, 2003. Genera Incertae Sedis in Characidae. p. 106-168. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil.
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 90363)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
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Estimates of some properties based on empirical models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82805): PD
50 = 0.6250 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.00888 (-0.21703 - 0.23479), b=3.24 (3.12 - 3.36), based on LWR estimates for this family-BS (Ref.
93245).
Trophic Level (Ref.
69278): 3.3 ±0.39 se; Based on food items.
Resilience (Ref.
69278): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm<1).
Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Low vulnerability (10 of 100) .