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Tetra (Astyanax abramis) — Characidae

Tetra

Astyanax abramis
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Tetra (Astyanax abramis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The tetra is a characin (Characidae) from South America. The species has a fairly deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a dark spot on the tail base. It lives in schools in quiet parts of rivers, lakes and floodplains. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small zooplankton, algae, seeds and plant matter. It is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tetra?

The Tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Tetra live?

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

How big does the Tetra get?

The Tetra grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Tetra edible?

The Tetra is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Brasem-tetra sourced
English name
Tetra verified
Scientific name
Astyanax abramis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-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
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 Astyanax

More from the family Characidae

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