Fin's Fish Guide
The Bandtail tetra (Moenkhausia dichroura) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The twocolour-tail tetra is a characin (Characidae) from northern and central South America. The species is small and has a silvery body with a conspicuously marked tail, to which the name refers. It lives in schools in rivers, streams and floodplains. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insects and larvae, algae 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 Bandtail tetra?
The Bandtail tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery with a strikingly marked tail; shoaling characin.
Where does the Bandtail tetra live?
The Bandtail tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern and central South America; rivers, streams and floodplains.
How big does the Bandtail tetra get?
The Bandtail tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Bandtail tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Bandtail tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bandtail tetra edible?
The Bandtail tetra is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Bandtail tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bandtail tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Moenkhausia
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Bandtail tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bandtail tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.