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Darter characin (Microcharacidium eleotrioides) — Crenuchidae

Darter characin

Microcharacidium eleotrioides
Family: Crenuchidae
LC · Least Concern

The Darter characin (Microcharacidium eleotrioides) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The darter characin is a tiny characin of the South American darter family (Crenuchidae) from northern South America. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a stocky, bottom-bound body resembling a goby more than an ordinary tetra. It is found mainly in well-oxygenated small creeks with fairly strong current and clear water, but is highly adaptable and also occurs in swamps. On the bottom it hops from spot to spot and hunts small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Darter characin?

The Darter characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Darter characin live?

The Darter characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Darter characin get?

The Darter characin grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Darter characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Darter characin is harmless to humans.

Is the Darter characin edible?

The Darter characin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwergdartertetra sourced
English name
Darter characin sourced
Scientific name
Microcharacidium eleotrioides
Family
Crenuchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No 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

More from the family Crenuchidae

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