Author: Eigenmann, 1909
Remark: Several morphologically similar populations from Colombia to Uruguay may be referable to this species.  This species used to be incorrected listed as <i>Characidium fasciatum</i> (see discussion in Buckup, 1992:1071)
Comments: Lives in groups in the upper reaches of rivers.  Common in rapidly flowing water over a sandy or rocky substrate (Ref. 27188).  Feeds mainly on insects which they dig from the substrate or pick from the rocks (Ref. 12225).  Highly mimetic, the intensity of the black bands depends on the color of the substrate (Ref. 27188).