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Moisa tetra (Moenkhausia moisae) — Characidae

Moisa tetra

Moenkhausia moisae
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Moisa tetra (Moenkhausia moisae) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Moisa tetra is a South American characin of the family Characidae from the coastal rivers of the Guianas. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining sheen. It prefers creeks or zones with rapid current over sandy bottoms, alternating with quieter zones. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insects, algae and plant matter. It is a schooling fish that stays in groups. Owing to its modest size it is prey for larger fishes and has no fishery value. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moisa tetra?

The Moisa tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Moisa tetra live?

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

How big does the Moisa tetra get?

The Moisa tetra grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Moisa tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Moisa tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Moisa tetra edible?

The Moisa tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moisa-tetra sourced
English name
Moisa tetra sourced
Scientific name
Moenkhausia moisae
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
One continuous 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
Schooling 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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