Fin's Fish Guide
The Featherfin tetra (Hemigrammus unilineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (including the Amazon and Orinoco region), in clear and blackwater streams, creeks and swamps.
Description
The featherfin tetra is a small, semi-transparent characin of the family Characidae (true tetras) reaching only about 5 cm. The silvery body has a shiny lengthwise stripe, an adipose fin and a strikingly black-and-white marked anal and dorsal fin. The species lives in dense schools in clear and blackwater streams, creeks and swamps of northern South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco regions. As an omnivore it eats small zooplankton, insects, algae and plant matter. In the rainy season it spawns among fine water plants. Because of its lively schooling and small size it is a popular and easy aquarium fish, and in the wild an important prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Featherfin tetra?
The Featherfin tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, translucent tetra with an adipose fin, a shiny longitudinal stripe and a strikingly black-and-white marked anal fin.
Where does the Featherfin tetra live?
The Featherfin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America (including the Amazon and Orinoco region), in clear and blackwater streams, creeks and swamps.
How big does the Featherfin tetra get?
The Featherfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Featherfin tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Featherfin tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Featherfin tetra edible?
The Featherfin tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Hemigrammus
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Featherfin tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Featherfin tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.