Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Family
- Anostomidae
- Genus
- Leporinus
- Species
- piau
Habitat
Piau inhabit freshwater rivers and streams in South America, particularly in Brazil's northeastern regions like the Cel. Vanick River and Salgado in Ceará. They prefer areas with moderate current, rocky or sandy substrates, and abundant vegetation for cover.
Diet
Piau are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, plant matter, algae, and small crustaceans or worms. They forage primarily during the day, often near the river bottom or among submerged vegetation.
Behavior
Piau are schooling fish that form groups for protection and feeding, making them more active in larger numbers. They are diurnal, spending daylight hours foraging and hiding in vegetation or under rocks at night. They exhibit territorial behavior around prime feeding spots, especially during breeding seasons.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.