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Rio tetra (Astyanax janeiroensis) — Characidae

Rio tetra

Astyanax janeiroensis
Family: Characidae

The Rio tetra (Astyanax janeiroensis) is a fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Rio tetra is a characin (Characidae) from clear streams and rivers of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with an adipose fin and often a dark tail or shoulder spot. As a social schooling fish it swims in the middle and upper layer and snaps at insects, larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rio tetra?

The Rio tetra is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Rio tetra live?

The Rio tetra is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Rio tetra get?

The Rio tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Rio tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Rio tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rio-zalmpje sourced
English name
Rio tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax janeiroensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water 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

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 Astyanax

More from the family Characidae

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