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Glass tetra (Charax stenopterus) — Characidae

Glass tetra

Charax stenopterus
Family: Characidae

The Glass tetra (Charax stenopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The glass tetra is a characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, partly translucent body with a forward-set mouth and a spot near the tail base; it often swims with its head tilted slightly down. As a small ambush predator it hunts small invertebrates and small fish among water plants. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Glass tetra?

The Glass tetra has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Glass tetra live?

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

How big does the Glass tetra get?

The Glass tetra grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Glass tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Glass tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Glas-tandzalm sourced
English name
Glass tetra sourced
Scientific name
Charax stenopterus
Family
Characidae
Other names
Glass headstander sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-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
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 Charax

More from the family Characidae

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