Fin's Fish Guide
The Black tetra (Gymnocorymbus thayeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
Thayer's tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from the Amazon basin in South America. The species reaches about 7 cm and has a deep, compressed, silvery body with a few dark cross-bands on the front half of the body, related to the well-known black tetra. It lives in schools in rivers and streams. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates and plant matter. The mirror-like, deep shape helps it vanish into a school from predators. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black tetra?
The Black tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, mirror-like body; shoaling tetra related to the black tetra.
Where does the Black tetra live?
The Black tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Amazon basin in South America.
How big does the Black tetra get?
The Black tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Black tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Black tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black tetra edible?
The Black tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnocorymbus
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Black tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.