Fin's Fish Guide
The Guianan tetra (Astyanax guianensis) is a fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Guianan tetra is a very small characin (tetra) from northern South America, in the Guiana Shield. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny lateral stripe and often a dark tail spot. It lives in schools in clear streams and creeks and eats small insects, larvae, algae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guianan tetra?
The Guianan tetra is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Glossy lateral stripe and a dark tail blotch; schooling dwarf tetra
Where does the Guianan tetra live?
The Guianan tetra is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America
How big does the Guianan tetra get?
The Guianan tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Guianan tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Guianan 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.
Is the Guianan tetra edible?
The Guianan tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Astyanax
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Guianan tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guianan tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.