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Britski's tetra (Planaltina britskii) — Characidae

Britski's tetra

Planaltina britskii
Family: Characidae

The Britski's tetra (Planaltina britskii) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

Britski's tetra is a characin (Characidae) from clear, fast-flowing highland streams of the Cerrado plateau of southeastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, silvery body with an adipose fin and often a dark tail spot. As a social fish it swims in small groups in clear, cool water and snaps at insect larvae, small plankton and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Britski's tetra?

The Britski's tetra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Britski's tetra live?

The Britski's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Brazil

How big does the Britski's tetra get?

The Britski's tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Britski's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Britski's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Britski's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Planaltina britskii
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
5 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Characidae

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