Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-flag tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The rosy tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from northern South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a deep, pink to reddish body with partly red and black-and-white marked fins; males have a strongly elongated, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. It lives in schools in calm streams, pools and floodplains, often in blackwater with overhanging vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insects and plant matter. It is popular worldwide in the aquarium hobby. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-flag tetra?
The Black-flag tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Pink body; male with a sickle-shaped dorsal fin; popular schooling aquarium fish.
Where does the Black-flag tetra live?
The Black-flag tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; quiet streams, pools and flood areas.
How big does the Black-flag tetra get?
The Black-flag tetra grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Black-flag tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-flag tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-flag tetra edible?
The Black-flag tetra is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyphessobrycon
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-flag tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-flag tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.