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Dwarf flag tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys) — Characidae

Dwarf flag tetra

Hyphessobrycon elachys
Family: Characidae

The Dwarf flag tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

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Description

The dwarf flag tetra is one of the smallest characins (Characidae) from fresh water of the Paraguay-Parana basin in South America. The species stays about 2 cm long and has a slender, translucent, yellowish body with a dark tinge on the fins. It lives in schools among water plants of slow streams and pools and eats very small zooplankton and larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf flag tetra?

The Dwarf flag tetra has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Dwarf flag tetra live?

The Dwarf flag tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

How big does the Dwarf flag tetra get?

The Dwarf flag tetra grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Dwarf flag tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf flag tetra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf flag tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon elachys
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hyphessobrycon

More from the family Characidae

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