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Caudal-stripe tetra (Phenacogrammus urotaenia) — Alestidae

Caudal-stripe tetra

Phenacogrammus urotaenia
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Caudal-stripe tetra (Phenacogrammus urotaenia) 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
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The caudal-stripe tetra is a small African characin of the family Alestidae from the Ntem and Ogowe basins in Gabon and Cameroon. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, silvery body with large scales and a dark stripe running onto the tail base, to which the name refers. 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 related to the well-known Congo tetra. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Caudal-stripe tetra?

The Caudal-stripe tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Caudal-stripe tetra live?

The Caudal-stripe tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Caudal-stripe tetra get?

The Caudal-stripe tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Caudal-stripe tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Caudal-stripe tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Caudal-stripe tetra edible?

The Caudal-stripe tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Staartstreep-Congotetra sourced
English name
Caudal-stripe tetra sourced
Scientific name
Phenacogrammus urotaenia
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes 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
Mixed bottom 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 Phenacogrammus

More from the family Alestidae

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