Home · Characidae · Bloodfin tetra
Bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax alburnus) — Characidae

Bloodfin tetra

Aphyocharax alburnus
Family: Characidae

The Bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax alburnus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from South America. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body that is slightly translucent, often with a red tinge in the fins. It lives in schools in rivers and streams. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insects and larvae and plant matter. It is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bloodfin tetra?

The Bloodfin tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bloodfin tetra live?

The Bloodfin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bloodfin tetra get?

The Bloodfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Bloodfin tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Bloodfin tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Bloodfin tetra edible?

The Bloodfin tetra is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren bloedvlektetra sourced
English name
Bloodfin tetra verified
Scientific name
Aphyocharax alburnus
Family
Characidae
Other names
Goldencrown tetra; Goldencrowned aphyocarax verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aphyocharax

More from the family Characidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →