Fin's Fish Guide
The Crystal tetra (Roeboides bouchellei) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The glass tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from Central America. The species is small and has a translucent, glassy body with a silvery shimmer and often a dark shoulder and tail spot. It lives in schools in quiet parts of creeks and shoreline zones of larger rivers with low to moderate current. Characteristic of the genus is that it also nips scales from other fishes, besides insects and small plankton. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Crystal tetra?
The Crystal tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Translucent, glassy body; also bites scales off other fishes (scale-eater).
Where does the Crystal tetra live?
The Crystal tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; quiet parts of creeks and rivers.
How big does the Crystal tetra get?
The Crystal tetra grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Crystal tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Crystal tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Crystal tetra edible?
The Crystal tetra is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Roeboides
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Crystal tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Crystal tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.