Genus Mylossoma
Mylossoma duriventre - Michael Goulding
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Species
- Mylossoma albiscopum
- Mylossoma aureum
- Mylossoma sp.
Common names
- Bolivia: Pacupeba, Pacu-peva, Pacu-jumento, Pacu-branco, Pacu-comum, Pacu-manteiga, Pacu-marreca, Pacu-galo, Pacu-de-renda, Pacuí, Catirina, Pacu-piranha
- Brazil: (Common names not yet available)
- Colombia: Moneda, Gancho-rojo, Garopa, Palometa, Garopita
- Ecuador: Palometa, Sabaletín, Sardinita
- Peru: Palometa, Palometa-kuruhuara
Summary
Group of commercial fishes known generically as palometa, which includes species of the genera Mylossoma, Myleus and Metynnis. The most important commercial species are Mylossoma duriventre and Mylossoma aureum. They are omnivorous fishes, with a preference for fruits and seeds, that form large schools and constitute an important fishery resource in the Amazon.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Teleostei
- Order: Characiformes
- Family: Serrasalmidae
- Genus: Mylossoma
- Taxon category: Genus
Distribution
Potential palometa production is estimated at 7,300 tonnes. The Central Amazon concentrates approximately 75% of recorded catches, followed by the Peruvian Amazon with 13%. They undertake medium-distance migrations (100–1,000 km) associated with Amazonian hydrological cycles.
Threat status
(Insufficient data)
Reproduction
The spawning period occurs at the beginning of the rising-water season.
Feeding
They are omnivorous fishes with a preference for fruits and seeds.
Habitat
Mylossoma species mainly inhabit whitewater and clearwater rivers. They generally do not appear in blackwater rivers, where other paco genera are more abundant. They form large schools and show migratory behavior.
Uses, management and conservation
Palometas constitute a fishery resource of regional importance in the Amazon. Potential production is estimated at 7,300 tonnes and marketing is oriented mainly toward regional markets within the Amazon basin. They are considered second-category commercial species.
References
(Not available)