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Silver sabretooth tetra (Cynopotamus argenteus) — Characidae

Silver sabretooth tetra

Cynopotamus argenteus
Family: Characidae

The Silver sabretooth tetra (Cynopotamus argenteus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
29.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The silver sabretooth tetra is a predatory characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the La Plata basin in southern South America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, bright-silvery, laterally compressed body with an upturned mouth and prominent canine teeth. As an open-water predator it hunts smaller fish in rivers and lakes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver sabretooth tetra?

The Silver sabretooth tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silver sabretooth tetra live?

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

How big does the Silver sabretooth tetra get?

The Silver sabretooth tetra grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Silver sabretooth tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver sabretooth tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren saber-tetra sourced
English name
Silver sabretooth tetra sourced
Scientific name
Cynopotamus argenteus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Cynopotamus

More from the family Characidae

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