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Nicaragua tetra (Astyanax nicaraguensis) — Characidae

Nicaragua tetra

Astyanax nicaraguensis
Family: Characidae

The Nicaragua tetra (Astyanax nicaraguensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Nicaragua

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Description

The Nicaragua tetra is a South American characin or tetra (Characidae) from fresh water of Central America, from Nicaragua to Panama. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark shoulder mark and often a dark stripe towards the tail base. As a lively schooling fish it swims in streams and rivers and eats insects, crustaceans, algae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nicaragua tetra?

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

Where does the Nicaragua tetra live?

The Nicaragua tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Nicaragua

How big does the Nicaragua tetra get?

The Nicaragua tetra grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Nicaragua tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Nicaragua 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Nicaragua tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax nicaraguensis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Nicaragua sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Astyanax

More from the family Characidae

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