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Largescale predator tetra (Heterocharax macrolepis) — Acestrorhynchidae

Largescale predator tetra

Heterocharax macrolepis

The Largescale predator tetra (Heterocharax macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Acestrorhynchidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The largescale predator tetra is a small South American characin (Characidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, translucent, silvery body with large eyes and small canine teeth. As a predatory schooling fish it swims in quiet, plant-rich waters and hunts small zooplankton, insect larvae and smaller fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largescale predator tetra?

The Largescale predator tetra has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Largescale predator tetra live?

The Largescale predator tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Largescale predator tetra get?

The Largescale predator tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Largescale predator tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Largescale predator tetra is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootschub-roofzalm sourced
English name
Largescale predator tetra sourced
Scientific name
Heterocharax macrolepis
Family
Acestrorhynchidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Heterocharax

More from the family Acestrorhynchidae

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