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Comma tetra (Moenkhausia comma) — Characidae

Comma tetra

Moenkhausia comma
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Comma tetra (Moenkhausia comma) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The comma tetra is a characin (Characidae) from South America. The species is small, slender and silvery with a dark shoulder spot and a stripe on the tail base. It lives in schools in the middle and upper water layers of quiet streams and rivers, often among vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and plant matter. It is a prey fish for larger species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Comma tetra?

The Comma tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Comma tetra live?

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

How big does the Comma tetra get?

The Comma tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Comma tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Comma tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Comma tetra edible?

The Comma tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Komma-tetra sourced
English name
Comma tetra sourced
Scientific name
Moenkhausia comma
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups 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 Moenkhausia

More from the family Characidae

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