How to Identify Piapara

To identify Piapara (Megaleporinus obtusidens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally silvery-gray to olive-brown dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. Often exhibits three distinct, dark, vertically elongated blotches or bars along the flanks, though these can be faint or absent in some individuals. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish, sometimes with reddish tints, especially during breeding season.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Robust, fusiform body., Small, subterminal mouth with chisel-like incisor teeth., Adipose fin present., Typically 3-4 dark blotches or bars on the flanks (though variable)., Large, cycloid scales.

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin, typically with 11-12 rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal. Anal fin is relatively short, with 9-11 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for a robust, elongated body that can reach significant sizes (up to 80 cm and 10 kg).

2. 2

   Mouth and Teeth

   Observe the small, subterminal mouth with distinctive chisel-like incisor teeth, adapted for scraping plant material.

3. 3

   Lateral Blotches

   Note the presence (or faintness) of 3-4 dark, vertically elongated blotches along the sides. These are a key, though variable, identifier.

4. 4

   Fin Coloration

   Fins are often dusky or yellowish, sometimes with reddish hues, especially the caudal and anal fins.

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