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Brycon fish swimming

Brycons

Brycons are a genus of fish which are also known as South American trout, although they are not closely related to true trout.

Scientific name: Brycon

Rank: Genus

Common names:

South American trout

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Distribution

The Brycons can be found in a number of locations including: Amazon Rainforest, South America. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.

Habitats

The following habitats are found across the Brycons distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.

Rivers and streams Rivers and streams
Rivers and streams, burns, brooks and springs – the names are varied but the flora and fauna all have to cope with the same thing: water that flows continuously in one direction. If you live here you need a way to avoid being washed downstream and ultimately into the sea.

Behaviours

Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.

Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web

About

Brycon is a genus of fish from the family Characidae. Despite being unrelated to true trout, they are sometimes called South American trout. They reach a maximum length of 12–80 centimetres (4.7–31 in) depending on the exact species involved, and the largest are among the largest species in the Characidae family. They are found widely in freshwater habitats in the Neotropics, ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Some species play a role in seed dispersal, and are able to jump out of the water to "pluck" low-hanging seeds directly from trees.

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