Metynnis sp. (Characidae) Characins

DISTRIBUTION: Tropical South America primarily Amazon and Orinoco basins.

HABITAT: Calm river reaches overhung by foliage.

APPEARANCE: Almost circular in profile; juveniles may be spotted or striped; adults solidly silver with anal and caudal fins edged in red or orange; grows to length of 30 cm (12 in) in wild.

DIET: Generally herbivorous, eating leaves of river plants; occasionally eats worms and small insects.

REPRODUCTION and DEVELOPMENT: Females release up to 2000 eggs; juveniles hatch in a few days.

REMARKS: A schooling species related to piranhas.  

LOCATION: Anaconda exhibit, AM3

WORDPRESS SHORTLINK  http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-ca