Gymnocharacinus bergii Steindachner, 1903
Naked characin
Gymnocharacinus bergii
photo by Gosztonyi, A.E.

Family:  Characidae (Characins; tetras), subfamily: Stethaprioninae
Max. size:  7.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Valcheta stream in Rio Negro basin, Southern Argentina.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 19-19. Entirely naked (scale only shown on lateral line in specimens > 5 cm TL; head profile obtuse. Color is dark brown, greenish, the belly is cream; there is a copper-colored band on the flanks (Ref. 35685).
Biology:  Medium sized fish considered to be the most southern characid living in temperate waters. Young with very tiny soft and delicate scales which are reabsorbed into the skin making the skin greasy and often with granulated or spongy appearance (Ref. 7252).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 29 August 2017 (B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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