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Fanged tetra (Agoniates halecinus) — Triportheidae

Fanged tetra

Agoniates halecinus
Family: Triportheidae

The Fanged tetra (Agoniates halecinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Triportheidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
26.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela

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Description

The fanged tetra is a predatory characin (Triportheidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body and a large mouth with prominent canine teeth. As an open-water predator it hunts smaller fish and insects in rivers and channels. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fanged tetra?

The Fanged tetra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Fanged tetra live?

The Fanged tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela

How big does the Fanged tetra get?

The Fanged tetra grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Fanged tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Fanged 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
Fanged tetra sourced
Scientific name
Agoniates halecinus
Family
Triportheidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Agoniates

More from the family Triportheidae

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