Fin's Fish Guide
The Barebacked tetra (Moenkhausia dorsinuda) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The Barebacked tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from clear streams and rivers of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, often translucent body with an adipose fin and sometimes a glossy longitudinal stripe. As a social schooling fish it swims in the middle and upper layer and snaps at small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barebacked tetra?
The Barebacked tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Barebacked tetra live?
The Barebacked tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Bolivia
How big does the Barebacked tetra get?
The Barebacked tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Barebacked tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Barebacked 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.
Want the complete picture on the Barebacked tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barebacked 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 Barebacked tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barebacked tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.