Iguanodectes gracilis is a small species of freshwater fish from South America.

Granted species status in 1993, I. gracilis is one of the more recent additions to the genus Iguanodectes.

Iguanodectes gracilis is a small species, reaching a maximum of 4.6 cm (1.8 in) standard length (SL).

[1] As with all Iguanodectinae, I. gracilis has a compressed, elongate body, comparable to the general shape of a smelt or minnow.

The generic name "iguanodectes" likely comes from "iguana", the lizard, and "dectes", meaning "bite" or "tooth".

Said activity breaks down abundant leaf litter provided by thick riparian vegetation, which releases humic substances into the water, staining it brown.

[21] It is furthermore acknowledged by MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (MCN), which is a system responsible for maintaining records of known names for various exports.

[1] Nonetheless, it inhabits wetlands in the Rio Negro basin that are under pressure from anthropogenic sources, like illegal mining and infrastructure development.