| Myleus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Myleus sp. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Serrasalmidae |
| Genus: | Myleus J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1844 |
| Type species | |
| Myleus setiger J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1844 | |
Myleus is a genus of serrasalmids from South America, where found in the Amazon, Orinoco and São Francisco basins, as well as the river basin of the Guiana Shield. They are found in rivers with moderately or fast-flowing water, including rapids. They are primarily herbivores, but also take some animal matter. Depending on the exact species, they reach up to 12–42 cm (0.4–1.4 ft) in standard length, and the adult males have a double-lobed anal fin and filamentous extensions on the dorsal fin. Their strong teeth means that larger individuals can inflict severe bites on humans.
Species
There are currently 6 recognized species of Myleus. Several others have been moved to the genus Myloplus.
- Myleus altipinnis (Valenciennes, 1850)
- Myleus knerii (Steindachner, 1881)
- Myleus latus (Jardine, 1841)
- Myleus micans (Lütken, 1875)
- Myleus pacu (Jardine, 1841)
- Myleus setiger J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1844
References
- ^ Ota, R.P., Röpke, C.P., Zuanon, J. & Jégu, M. (2013): Serrasalmidae. In: Queiroz, L.J., Torrente-Vilara, G., Ohara, W.M., Pires, T.H.S., Zuanon, J. & Doria, C.R.C. (Eds.), Peixes do rio Madeira. Volume II, Santo Antonio Energia, São Paulo, 12–47.
- ^ van der Sleen, P.; J.S. Albert, eds. (2017). Field Guide to the Fishes of the Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas. Princeton University Press. p. 185. ISBN 978-0691170749.
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Species in genus Myleus". FishBase. June 2017 version.
| Taxon identifiers | |
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| Myleus | |
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