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Ellis' tetra (Bryconacidnus ellisi) — Characidae

Ellis' tetra

Bryconacidnus ellisi
Family: Characidae

The Ellis' tetra (Bryconacidnus ellisi) is a fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

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Description

The Ellis' tetra is a characin (Characidae) from clear rivers and streams of the Amazon basin in Peru. The species has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with an adipose fin and strong teeth. As a social, active fish it swims in the middle and upper layer of flowing water and eats insects, fruit, seeds, small fish and plant matter. Larger species are locally a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ellis' tetra?

The Ellis' tetra is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ellis' tetra live?

The Ellis' tetra is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Ellis' tetra get?

The Ellis' tetra grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Ellis' tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Ellis' 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ellis' tetra sourced
Scientific name
Bryconacidnus ellisi
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
3.8 sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water 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

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

More from the family Characidae

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