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Blue diamond tetra (Alestopetersius smykalai) — Alestidae

Blue diamond tetra

Alestopetersius smykalai
Family: Alestidae
EN · Endangered

The Blue diamond tetra (Alestopetersius smykalai) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Smykala's congo tetra is an African tetra (Alestidae) from the fresh waters of West Africa. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with a metallic sheen and, in the male, elongated yellow fin tips. It lives in schools in streams and rivers with clear flow. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small zooplankton and plant matter. Owing to habitat loss the species is considered endangered. It is popular in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue diamond tetra?

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

Where does the Blue diamond tetra live?

The Blue diamond tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blue diamond tetra get?

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

Is the Blue diamond tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue diamond tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue diamond tetra edible?

The Blue diamond tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Smykala's blauwdiamanttetra sourced
English name
Blue diamond tetra sourced
Scientific name
Alestopetersius smykalai
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 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
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes 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 Alestopetersius

More from the family Alestidae

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