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Largespot tetra (Astyanax orthodus) — Characidae

Largespot tetra

Astyanax orthodus
Family: Characidae

The Largespot tetra (Astyanax orthodus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Largespot tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of northwestern South America. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a dark longitudinal stripe or a spot on the tail base. A large dark spot stands out on the flank. As a schooling fish it swims in streams and rivers and eats small insects, larvae, plant material and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largespot tetra?

The Largespot tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Largespot tetra live?

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

How big does the Largespot tetra get?

The Largespot tetra grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Largespot tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Largespot tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootvlek-tetra sourced
English name
Largespot tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax orthodus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.8 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped 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 Astyanax

More from the family Characidae

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