Platanichthys is a monospecific genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Dorosomatidae, which also includes the gizzard shads and sardinellas.

Platanichthys platana is recorded to be found in a freshwater environment within a pelagic depth range.

[3] P. platana can reach the maximum recorded length of about 6.7 centimeters or about 2.63 inches as an unsexed male.

[3] P. platana is recorded to occupy the areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazi, Uruguay, and Argentina.

They live more specifically in the areas of brackish waters of lagoons, estuaries, and the lower reaches of rivers.