Home · Iguanodectidae · Bryconops tetra
Bryconops tetra (Bryconops affinis) — Iguanodectidae

Bryconops tetra

Bryconops affinis
LC · Least Concern

The Bryconops tetra (Bryconops affinis) is a freshwater fish of the family Iguanodectidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Bryconops tetra is a slender, silvery characin of the family Iguanodectidae reaching about 12 cm. The streamlined body has an adipose fin (as in many characins), an upturned mouth and often red or yellow tints in the tail fin; the large eyes suit hunting just below the surface. The species comes from northern and central South America and lives in fast schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams. It hunts insects and small invertebrates at and just below the water surface, including insects that fall on the water. In the rainy season it spawns. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bryconops tetra?

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

Where does the Bryconops tetra live?

The Bryconops tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Bryconops tetra get?

The Bryconops tetra grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Bryconops tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Bryconops tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Bryconops tetra edible?

The Bryconops tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Glanstetra inferred
English name
Bryconops tetra verified
Scientific name
Bryconops affinis
Family
Iguanodectidae
Other names
Orangefin tetra verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater verified
Substrate
Open water verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Schooling verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Bryconops

More from the family Iguanodectidae

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