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Lambert's tetra (Nannopetersius lamberti) — Alestidae

Lambert's tetra

Nannopetersius lamberti
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Lambert's tetra (Nannopetersius lamberti) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Lambert's tetra is a small African characin of the family Alestidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, silvery body with large scales and sometimes reddish fin tints. It lives in schools in quiet to moderately flowing rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insects, algae and plant matter at and near the surface. It is a peaceful, active schooling fish popular in the aquarium. Owing to its small size it is prey for larger fishes and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lambert's tetra?

The Lambert's tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Lambert's tetra live?

The Lambert's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Lambert's tetra get?

The Lambert's tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Lambert's tetra dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Lambert's tetra edible?

The Lambert's tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lamberts tetra sourced
English name
Lambert's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Nannopetersius lamberti
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No 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 Nannopetersius

More from the family Alestidae

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