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Boeseman's tetra (Hemigrammus boesemani) — Characidae

Boeseman's tetra

Hemigrammus boesemani
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Boeseman's tetra (Hemigrammus boesemani) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Hemigrammus boesemani is a very small tetra (family Characidae) of northern South America. The species reaches only about 3 cm and has a slender, silvery body sometimes with a reddish tinge. It is usually found in the lower reaches of rivers, together with other small tetras of the genus Hemigrammus. Its diet consists of small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. The species lives in schools. Little is known of its ecology. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Boeseman's tetra?

The Boeseman's tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Boeseman's tetra live?

The Boeseman's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Boeseman's tetra get?

The Boeseman's tetra grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Boeseman's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Boeseman's tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Boeseman's tetra edible?

The Boeseman's tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Boesemans tetra sourced
English name
Boeseman's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Hemigrammus boesemani
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hemigrammus

More from the family Characidae

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