Teleostei (teleosts) >
Gymnotiformes (Knifefishes) >
Apteronotidae (Ghost knifefishes) > Apteronotinae
Etymology: Compsaraia: Greek, kompsos, -e, -on = elegance, polish, gracefulness + see under Raja.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
South America: Orinoco, Meta, Apure and Negro River basins.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 33.9 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 35451)
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal soft rays: 164 - 190. Can be recognized by its elongated body and tail length(35-48% in length to end of anal fin); greatest body depth 10-12%; 5-7 rows of large scales above lateral line; pectoral rays ii, 13-14; anal rays 164-190.
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Albert, J.S., 2003. Apteronotidae (Ghost knifefishes). p. 497-502. 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. (Ref. 36886)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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