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Suriname tetra (Hemibrycon surinamensis) — Characidae

Suriname tetra

Hemibrycon surinamensis
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Suriname tetra (Hemibrycon surinamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Suriname tetra is a South American characin of the family Characidae from the Guianas. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, silvery body, built for fast swimming. It is rare and little known and occurs in fast-flowing creeks. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter at and near the water surface. As a small schooling fish it is prey for larger fishes. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Suriname tetra?

The Suriname tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Suriname tetra live?

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

How big does the Suriname tetra get?

The Suriname tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Suriname tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Suriname tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Suriname tetra edible?

The Suriname tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Suriname-tetra sourced
English name
Suriname tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hemibrycon surinamensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
One continuous 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
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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

Same genus Hemibrycon

More from the family Characidae

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