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Lesser bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax pusillus) — Characidae

Lesser bloodfin tetra

Aphyocharax pusillus
Family: Characidae

The Lesser bloodfin tetra (Aphyocharax pusillus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The lesser bloodfin tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a reddish tint on the fins and tail base. As a schooling fish it swims actively in clear streams and rivers and eats small insects, larvae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lesser bloodfin tetra?

The Lesser bloodfin tetra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Lesser bloodfin tetra live?

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

How big does the Lesser bloodfin tetra get?

The Lesser bloodfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Lesser bloodfin tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Lesser bloodfin tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleine bloedvlek-tetra sourced
English name
Lesser bloodfin tetra sourced
Scientific name
Aphyocharax pusillus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Aphyocharax

More from the family Characidae

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