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Macabi tetra (Brycon guatemalensis) — Bryconidae

Macabi tetra

Brycon guatemalensis
Family: Bryconidae
LC · Least Concern

The Macabi tetra (Brycon guatemalensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Bryconidae that grows up to 59 cm.

Length
59 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–5.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The machaca is a large freshwater characin of the family Bryconidae from Central America. The species grows to about 59 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with strong jaws and an adipose fin. It lives in lakes, rivers and streams up to about 600 metres elevation. Young fish eat terrestrial and aquatic insects, leaves, fruits and seeds, while adults become mainly herbivorous and play a role in seed dispersal. The species is fished and eaten locally and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Macabi tetra?

The Macabi tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Macabi tetra live?

The Macabi tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Macabi tetra get?

The Macabi tetra grows to a maximum of about 59 cm.

Is the Macabi tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Macabi tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Macabi tetra edible?

Yes, the Macabi tetra is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Machaca sourced
English name
Macabi tetra verified
Scientific name
Brycon guatemalensis
Family
Bryconidae
Other names
Macabil; Machaca verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
59.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Brycon

More from the family Bryconidae

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