Moenkhausia margitae Zarske & Géry, 2001

Family:  Characidae (Characins; tetras), subfamily: Stethaprioninae
Max. size:  6.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, non-migratory
Distribution:  South America: Upper Amazon River basin.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-4; Anal soft rays: 29-34; Vertebrae: 34-35. Medium-sized species of Moenkhausia distinguished by the following characters: maxilla longer than snout; 1-2 broad, tri-cuspid maxillary teeth; anal fin with 29-34 branched, relatively long rays; small hooks present on rays of anal fin in males; scales relatively large, 34-36 in longitudinal series; 6.5-7.5 vertical scales before dorsal fin origin; first third of caudal origin covered with small, specialized scales; pre-ventral region rounded; shoulder spot rounded and prominent; no black spot on caudal peduncle; no black saddle-spot before origin of dorsal fin; no silver longitudinal band on side of body. 'Spines' refer to unbranched rays.
Biology:  In slow-flowing or still waters over gravel or mud.1
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 23 April 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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