From Wikipedia - Reading time: 5 min
| Myleus | |
|---|---|
| Myleus sp. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Serrasalmidae |
| Subfamily: | Myleinae |
| 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.[1] They are found in rivers with moderately or fast-flowing water, including rapids.[2] They are primarily herbivores, but also take some animal matter.[2] 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.[2] Their strong teeth means that larger individuals can inflict severe bites on humans.
There are currently 6 recognized species of Myleus.[1][3] Several others have been moved to the genus Myloplus.[1]