Home · Acestrorhynchidae · Steindachner's tetra
Steindachner's tetra (Gnathocharax steindachneri) — Acestrorhynchidae

Steindachner's tetra

Gnathocharax steindachneri
LC · Least Concern

The Steindachner's tetra (Gnathocharax steindachneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Acestrorhynchidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Steindachner's tetra is a pike-characin relative (Acestrorhynchidae) from South America. The species is small, slender and translucent-silvery with an upward-pointing mouth full of fine teeth. It lives in the upper water layers of quiet streams and rivers, often among overhanging vegetation. As a small predator it snaps insects from the surface and small zooplankton. It is a prey fish for larger species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Steindachner's tetra?

The Steindachner's tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Steindachner's tetra live?

The Steindachner's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Steindachner's tetra get?

The Steindachner's tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Steindachner's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Steindachner's tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Steindachner's tetra edible?

The Steindachner's tetra is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Steindachners bijttetra sourced
English name
Steindachner's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Gnathocharax steindachneri
Family
Acestrorhynchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Acestrorhynchidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →