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Pellonula brasiliensis, commonly known as Savelha, is a small, schooling freshwater fish belonging to the family Clupeidae. It is characterized by its silvery appearance and compressed body, typical of many clupeids. This species plays a significant ecological role as a forage fish in its native habitats. While not a primary target for large-scale commercial fisheries, it is locally important for subsistence fishing and as bait. Its taxonomic classification has seen some historical debate, but it is currently recognized within the genus Pellonula.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- compressed
- Coloração
- Overall silvery, with a darker dorsal surface and lighter, almost white, ventral side. A faint lateral stripe may be present, especially in younger individuals.
- Tipo de escama
- cycloid
- Posição da boca
- superior
- Características distintivas
- Small, slender body, Highly compressed laterally, Large, easily shed scales, Absence of a lateral line, A distinct notch in the upper jaw
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Single dorsal fin, typically located mid-body, with 10-12 soft rays. No spines.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Deeply forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Relatively small pectoral fins, positioned low on the body.
- Nadadeiras características
- Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, anterior to the dorsal fin origin. Anal fin is relatively long with 15-19 soft rays.
Dicas de identificação
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for a small, silvery, and highly compressed body. The dorsal side is darker, fading to white ventrally.
Mouth Position
The mouth is superior (upturned), indicating a surface feeder.
Scales
Note the large, cycloid scales that are easily shed, a characteristic of clupeids.
Fin Structure
Observe the single dorsal fin, deeply forked caudal fin, and the abdominal position of the small pelvic fins.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the surface.
- Ambiente
- Inhabits rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, preferring clear to slightly turbid waters with moderate currents. Often found in open water but may seek shelter among submerged vegetation or structures.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Endemic to South America, specifically found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Alimentação: omnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 50_gallons
- Temperatura: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
- Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other peaceful, similarly sized freshwater fish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-filtered tank with good water circulation. Prefers a planted tank with open swimming areas. Needs to be kept in schools of at least 6-8 individuals to thrive and reduce stress.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season, with increased abundance observed during these periods.
- Preço de mercado: Low (primarily for bait or local consumption)
- Importância comercial: low
- Sabor: Mild, slightly oily
- Textura: Soft, flaky
- Métodos de preparo: Fried, Grilled, Stewed
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, typical of small clupeids.
Fatos principais
Forage Fishbehavior
Savelha plays a crucial role as a forage fish, forming a significant part of the diet for larger predatory fish in its ecosystem.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
This species is highly social and forms large, dense schools, which is a common anti-predator strategy among clupeids.
Surface Feederbehavior
Its superior mouth position is an adaptation for feeding on plankton and small invertebrates near the water surface.
Delicate Scalesinteresting
Like many members of the herring family, Savelha has very delicate, easily shed scales, which can be a defense mechanism against predators.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required. They are small and harmless. Care should be taken to avoid damaging their delicate scales if handled.
Espécies similares
Amazon Pellonula
Pellonula leonensis
While P. leonensis is an African species, it shares the genus name. P. brasiliensis is distinguished by its South American distribution and specific meristic counts (e.g., number of fin rays, gill rakers) which differ from its African counterparts. Morphologically, P. brasiliensis tends to be more slender.
Other small clupeids
Various genera (e.g., Rhinosardinia, Potamalosa)
P. brasiliensis can be distinguished from other small freshwater clupeids by a combination of its superior mouth, the absence of a lateral line, and specific counts of fin rays and gill rakers. Detailed examination of gill raker morphology and vertebral counts is often necessary for definitive identification.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Clupeiformes
- Família
- Clupeidae
- Gênero
- Pellonula
- Espécie
- Pellonula brasiliensis
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