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Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) — Characidae

Ecuadorian tetra

Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis
Family: Characidae

The Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador

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Description

The Ecuadorian tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in Ecuador. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, partly translucent body. The body bears a fine dark longitudinal stripe. As a schooling fish it swims in clear streams and rivers and eats small insects, larvae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ecuadorian tetra?

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

Where does the Ecuadorian tetra live?

The Ecuadorian tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Ecuador

How big does the Ecuadorian tetra get?

The Ecuadorian tetra grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Ecuadorian tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Ecuadorian tetra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) — Characidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Edgar Segovia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) — Characidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Edgar Segovia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) — Characidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Carl H. Eigenmann (Public domain) [illustratie]
Ecuadorian tetra (Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis) — Characidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Ecuadorian tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hyphessobrycon

More from the family Characidae

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