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Tailspot tetra (Bryconops caudomaculatus) — Iguanodectidae

Tailspot tetra

Bryconops caudomaculatus
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
12.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Bryconops caudomaculatus is a slender characin of the family Iguanodectidae from northern South America. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a conspicuous dark spot at the tail base, to which the name refers. It occurs in fast-flowing water with a rocky bottom and, like other species of the genus, is an omnivore that also eats small fishes. The fish is known to be quarrelsome towards conspecifics. It reaches about 12 cm and is occasionally found in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tailspot tetra?

The Tailspot tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Tailspot tetra live?

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

How big does the Tailspot tetra get?

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

Is the Tailspot tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Tailspot tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Tailspot tetra edible?

The Tailspot tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Staartvlek-tetra sourced
English name
Tailspot tetra verified
Scientific name
Bryconops caudomaculatus
Family
Iguanodectidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Bryconops

More from the family Iguanodectidae

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