Fin's Fish Guide
The Nurse tetra (Brycinus nurse) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Fresh water of much of West, Central and North-East Africa, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
Description
The nurse tetra is a slender, silvery characin of the family Alestidae (African tetras) reaching about 25 cm. The streamlined body has large, shiny scales and an adipose fin, as in many characins. The species comes from much of West, Central and Northeast Africa and lives in active schools in rivers, lakes and floodplains. As an omnivore it eats insects, seeds, plant matter and zooplankton, taken at the surface and in the water column. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins and floodplains. Through its great numbers it is an important commercial and food fish across much of Africa and a main prey for larger predators.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nurse tetra?
The Nurse tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver African characin with large scales and an adipose fin; forms active shoals in open water.
Where does the Nurse tetra live?
The Nurse tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of much of West, Central and North-East Africa, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
How big does the Nurse tetra get?
The Nurse tetra grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Nurse tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Nurse tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Nurse tetra edible?
Yes, the Nurse tetra is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Brycinus
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Nurse tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nurse tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.