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Spinybelly tetra (Jupiaba mucronata) — Characidae

Spinybelly tetra

Jupiaba mucronata
Family: Characidae

The Spinybelly tetra (Jupiaba mucronata) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The spinybelly tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of northern South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny lateral stripe; characteristic is a small, forward-pointing spinelet before the pelvic fins. It lives in schools in clear streams and eats small insects, larvae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spinybelly tetra?

The Spinybelly tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Spinybelly tetra live?

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

How big does the Spinybelly tetra get?

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

Is the Spinybelly tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Spinybelly tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stekelbuik-tetra sourced
English name
Spinybelly tetra sourced
Scientific name
Jupiaba mucronata
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Jupiaba

More from the family Characidae

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