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Pellegrin's tetra (Astyanax pellegrini) — Characidae

Pellegrin's tetra

Astyanax pellegrini
Family: Characidae

The Pellegrin's tetra (Astyanax pellegrini) is a fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Pellegrin's tetra is a South American characin or tetra (Characidae) from fresh water of northern South America. The species grows to about 9 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 Pellegrin's tetra?

The Pellegrin's tetra is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Pellegrin's tetra live?

The Pellegrin's tetra is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pellegrin's tetra get?

The Pellegrin's tetra grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Pellegrin's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Pellegrin's 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
Pellegrin's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Astyanax pellegrini
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
9 sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Mixed bottom 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

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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