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Lange's tetra (Deuterodon langei) — Characidae

Lange's tetra

Deuterodon langei
Family: Characidae

The Lange's tetra (Deuterodon langei) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
12.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

Lange's tetra is a characin (Characidae) from clear coastal streams and rivers of southeastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with an adipose fin and a dark tail spot. As a social schooling fish it swims in the middle and upper layer and snaps at insects, larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lange's tetra?

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

Where does the Lange's tetra live?

The Lange's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil

How big does the Lange's tetra get?

The Lange's tetra grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Lange's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Lange's tetra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lange's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Deuterodon langei
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Deuterodon

More from the family Characidae

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