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Dash-dot tetra (Hemigrammus bellottii) — Characidae

Dash-dot tetra

Hemigrammus bellottii
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dash-dot tetra (Hemigrammus bellottii) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; upper and lower reaches of rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The dash-dot tetra is a characin (Characidae) from South America. The species is small, slender and translucent with a silvery sheen and fine dark markings. It occurs in headwaters and also in the lower reaches of rivers, in schools. Its food depends on its biotope but generally consists of small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. It is a prey fish for larger species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dash-dot tetra?

The Dash-dot tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, translucent shoaling tetra from the Amazon and Orinoco.

Where does the Dash-dot tetra live?

The Dash-dot tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; upper and lower reaches of rivers.

How big does the Dash-dot tetra get?

The Dash-dot tetra grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Dash-dot tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Dash-dot tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dash-dot tetra edible?

The Dash-dot tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dash-dot tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hemigrammus bellottii
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.3 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America; upper and lower reaches of rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, translucent shoaling tetra from the Amazon and Orinoco. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hemigrammus

More from the family Characidae

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