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Blue tetra (Mimagoniates microlepis) — Characidae

Blue tetra

Mimagoniates microlepis
Family: Characidae

The Blue tetra (Mimagoniates microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The blue tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, translucent body with a glossy blue-green longitudinal band. As a schooling fish it swims in clear, plant-rich streams near the surface and eats small insects and larvae. Males can make sounds in courtship. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue tetra?

The Blue tetra has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Blue tetra live?

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

How big does the Blue tetra get?

The Blue tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blue tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe knortetra sourced
English name
Blue tetra sourced
Scientific name
Mimagoniates microlepis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue 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 Mimagoniates

More from the family Characidae

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