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Panama tetra (Brycon petrosus) — Bryconidae

Panama tetra

Brycon petrosus
Family: Bryconidae

The Panama tetra (Brycon petrosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Bryconidae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
28.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Panama

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Description

The Panama tetra is a characin (Characidae) from clear rivers and streams of the rivers of Panama in Central America. The species has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body with an adipose fin and strong teeth. As a social, active fish it swims in the middle and upper layer of flowing water and eats insects, fruit, seeds, small fish and plant matter. Larger species are locally a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Panama tetra?

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

Where does the Panama tetra live?

The Panama tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: Panama

How big does the Panama tetra get?

The Panama tetra grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Panama tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Panama 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
Panama tetra sourced
Scientific name
Brycon petrosus
Family
Bryconidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.5 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
Natural range
North America: Panama sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No 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
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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 Brycon

More from the family Bryconidae

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