Caught in freshwater streams, in fast flowing waters, are found from S America to southern North America, include islands of the Caribbean, and very common in Panama., even in small streams and the island of Taboga.
They spawn in fresh water, but eggs are carried down stream where they hatch in sea water, spend time, before migrating up stream in fresh water.
May reach 14" (35 + cms), I usually find them much smaller
They are eaten by locals here in Panama, in the manner of sardines, or smelt, and called "machin del rio".
When young I find them shoaling with tetras, as in the last few second of the video below.
