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Dark tetra (Astyanax mutator) — Characidae

Dark tetra

Astyanax mutator
Family: Characidae

The Dark tetra (Astyanax mutator) is a fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Dark tetra is a South American characin or tetra (Characidae) from fresh water of northern South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark shoulder mark and often a dark stripe towards the tail base. As a lively schooling fish it swims in streams and rivers and eats insects, crustaceans, algae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dark tetra?

The Dark tetra is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Dark tetra live?

The Dark tetra is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dark tetra get?

The Dark tetra grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Dark tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Dark tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Donkere tetra sourced
English name
Dark tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax mutator
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
8 sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

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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