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Smallscale tetra (Astyanax microlepis) — Characidae

Smallscale tetra

Astyanax microlepis
Family: Characidae

The Smallscale tetra (Astyanax microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 13 cm.

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

Description

The Smallscale tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of coastal rivers of eastern Brazil. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a dark longitudinal stripe or a spot on the tail base. As a schooling fish it swims in streams and rivers and eats small insects, larvae, plant material and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smallscale tetra?

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

Where does the Smallscale tetra live?

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

How big does the Smallscale tetra get?

The Smallscale tetra grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Smallscale tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallscale tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinschub-tetra sourced
English name
Smallscale tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax microlepis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.5 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
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 verified

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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