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Anchovy tetra (Agoniates anchovia) — Triportheidae

Anchovy tetra

Agoniates anchovia
Family: Triportheidae

The Anchovy tetra (Agoniates anchovia) is a freshwater fish of the family Triportheidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela

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Description

The anchovy tetra is a South American characin (Triportheidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body reminiscent of an anchovy, with large eyes and small canine teeth. As a schooling predator it swims in the open water column and hunts small fish and insects. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Anchovy tetra?

The Anchovy tetra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Anchovy tetra live?

The Anchovy tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela

How big does the Anchovy tetra get?

The Anchovy tetra grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Anchovy tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Anchovy 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Anchovy tetra sourced
Scientific name
Agoniates anchovia
Family
Triportheidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Agoniates

More from the family Triportheidae

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