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Guyana tetra (Hemigrammus guyanensis) — Characidae

Guyana tetra

Hemigrammus guyanensis
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Guyana tetra (Hemigrammus guyanensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Guyana tetra is a very small characin of the family Characidae from northern South America. The species reaches only about 3.5 to 4 cm and has a translucent, spindle-shaped body with the silvery sheen typical of the genus Hemigrammus. It lives in counter-current zones and flooded parts of creeks where the bottom is covered with fallen leaves and alluvial deposits. In schools it searches for small zooplankton and fine invertebrates. Like many characiforms it bears an adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins. The species has no commercial value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Guyana tetra?

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

Where does the Guyana tetra live?

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

How big does the Guyana tetra get?

The Guyana tetra grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Guyana tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Guyana tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Guyana tetra edible?

The Guyana tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Guyanatetra sourced
English name
Guyana tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hemigrammus guyanensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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 Hemigrammus

More from the family Characidae

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