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Tetra (Astyanax scabripinnis) — Characidae

Tetra

Astyanax scabripinnis
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Tetra (Astyanax scabripinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The rough-finned tetra is a characin (Characidae) from South America. The species is small, slender and silvery with a dark spot on the tail base. It lives mainly in quiet (lentic) parts of headwaters and mountain streams in southeastern Brazil and adjacent areas. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and plant matter. It lives in schools. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tetra?

The Tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Tetra live?

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

How big does the Tetra get?

The Tetra grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Tetra edible?

The Tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bergbeek-tetra sourced
English name
Tetra verified
Scientific name
Astyanax scabripinnis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Astyanax

More from the family Characidae

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