Fin's Fish Guide
The Glassy tetra (Phenacogaster microstictus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.
South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
Description
The glassy tetra is a small South American characin of the family Characidae from the Amazon and surrounding drainages. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a slender, strongly translucent body with a shining sheen and a spot on the tail base. It lives in schools in quiet to moderately flowing rivers and creeks. As a small omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. Owing to its translucency it is hard to spot in open water. As a small schooling fish it is prey for larger fishes and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Glassy tetra?
The Glassy tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly translucent, shiny little body with a blotch on the caudal peduncle; hard to see in open water.
Where does the Glassy tetra live?
The Glassy tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
How big does the Glassy tetra get?
The Glassy tetra grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Glassy tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Glassy tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Glassy tetra edible?
The Glassy tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phenacogaster
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Glassy tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Glassy tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.