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Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae

Tailspot tetra

Bryconops caudomaculatus
LC · Least Concern

The Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Iguanodectidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Fast-flowing waters of northern South America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Bryconops caudomaculatus is a slender characin of the family Iguanodectidae from northern South America. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a conspicuous dark spot at the tail base, to which the name refers. It occurs in fast-flowing water with a rocky bottom and, like other species of the genus, is an omnivore that also eats small fishes. The fish is known to be quarrelsome towards conspecifics. It reaches about 12 cm and is occasionally found in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tailspot tetra?

The Tailspot tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Dark blotch at the base of the tail; irritable towards conspecifics.

Where does the Tailspot tetra live?

The Tailspot tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fast-flowing waters of northern South America.

How big does the Tailspot tetra get?

The Tailspot tetra grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Tailspot tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Tailspot tetra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Tailspot tetra edible?

The Tailspot tetra is not usually eaten.

More photos

Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Dominick Porcelli, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Bakker Paiva, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Clinton & Charles Robertson (CC BY 2.0)
Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Barry Chernoff and Antonio Machado-Allison (CC0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Tailspot tetra verified
Scientific name
Bryconops caudomaculatus
Family
Iguanodectidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Spots
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Fast-flowing waters of northern South America.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Dark blotch at the base of the tail; irritable towards conspecifics. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Bryconops

More from the family Iguanodectidae

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