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Yellow flag tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) — Characidae

Yellow flag tetra

Hyphessobrycon roseus
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Yellow flag tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 2 cm.

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

Description

The yellow flag tetra is a tiny South American characin of the family Characidae from the north of the continent, including the Guianas. The species grows to only about 2 cm - less than 3 cm - making it one of the smallest tetras. It has a slender, partly translucent body with a yellowish to reddish tinge. It lives in schools in quiet, often dark-stained forest brooks and creeks. As a small omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, micro-invertebrates and plant matter. Owing to its extremely small size it is prey for larger fishes and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellow flag tetra?

The Yellow flag tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Yellow flag tetra live?

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

How big does the Yellow flag tetra get?

The Yellow flag tetra grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Yellow flag tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow flag tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Yellow flag tetra edible?

The Yellow flag tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gele vlagtetra sourced
English name
Yellow flag tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon roseus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
1.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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 Hyphessobrycon

More from the family Characidae

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