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Parana sabretooth tetra (Oligosarcus paranensis) — Characidae

Parana sabretooth tetra

Oligosarcus paranensis
Family: Characidae

The Parana sabretooth tetra (Oligosarcus paranensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 21 cm.

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

Description

The Parana sabretooth tetra is a predatory characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basins in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a large mouth and prominent canine teeth. As a schooling open-water hunter it darts at smaller fish, insects and shrimp in rivers and lakes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Parana sabretooth tetra?

The Parana sabretooth tetra has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Parana sabretooth tetra live?

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

How big does the Parana sabretooth tetra get?

The Parana sabretooth tetra grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Parana sabretooth tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Parana sabretooth tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parana-saber-tetra sourced
English name
Parana sabretooth tetra sourced
Scientific name
Oligosarcus paranensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Oligosarcus

More from the family Characidae

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