Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigscale tetra (Moenkhausia grandisquamis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America, in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks.
Description
The bigscale tetra is a silvery characin of the family Characidae (true tetras) reaching about 10 cm. The laterally compressed body has conspicuously large, shiny scales, an adipose fin (as in many characins) and a dark spot on the tail base. The species comes from the Amazon basin in South America and lives in schools in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks. As an omnivore it eats insects, zooplankton, algae and plant matter, taken in the water column and at the surface. In the rainy season it spawns among the water plants. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigscale tetra?
The Bigscale tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery little tetra with large, shiny scales, an adipose fin and a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Bigscale tetra live?
The Bigscale tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America, in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks.
How big does the Bigscale tetra get?
The Bigscale tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Bigscale tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigscale tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigscale tetra edible?
The Bigscale tetra is not usually eaten.
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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 Bigscale tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigscale tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.