Curimatas

Curimatas is a common name referring to several species of freshwater fish belonging to the genus Prochilodus. These fish are native to South America, found in various river basins including the Amazon, Paraná, and São Francisco. Curimatas are characterized by their small, terminal mouths equipped with specialized lips that are adapted for feeding on algae and detritus from the substrate. They typically have a slender, elongated body with a forked tail fin. Their coloration varies, but many species exhibit silvery bodies with darker stripes or spots.

Economically, curimatas are important for subsistence and commercial fishing in many regions. They are a significant food source for local populations and are also farmed in aquaculture. Their diet consists mainly of periphyton, organic matter, and sediment, making them important detritivores that play a role in nutrient cycling within their aquatic ecosystems. During certain times of the year, curimatas undertake migratory movements, often upstream, for reproduction, a behavior that is vital for their life cycle. Conservation statuses vary among species, with some facing threats from habitat degradation, overfishing, and pollution.