Sternopygus | |
---|---|
Sternopygus aequilabiatus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Gymnotiformes |
Family: | Sternopygidae |
Genus: | Sternopygus J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1849 |
Sternopygus is a genus of glass knifefishes found in tropical and subtropical South America (south to the Río de la Plata Basin), and Panama. They inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, from fast-flowing rivers to essentially static waters in floodplains, and shallow habitats to the bottom of deep rivers. S. macrurus will even visit brackish mangrove to feed.[1]
They are medium to large knifefish, with a maximum total length of 23–140 cm (0.8–4.6 ft) depending on the exact species.[1][2] They feed on invertebrates, small fish and fruits.[1] Most members of Gymnotiformes are nocturnal, but Sternopygus are both nocturnal[1] and diurnal.[3]