Fin's Fish Guide
The Powell's tetra (Neolebias powelli) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 2 cm.
Freshwater of West Africa; vegetated swamps and streams of the coastal lowlands.
Description
Powell's tetra is a small African characiform (Distichodontidae) from the fresh waters of West Africa. The species is small and has a stocky body with reddish and greenish tints and a dark lengthwise stripe. It inhabits shallow, vegetated and oxygen-poor swamps and streams of the coastal lowlands. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. Owing to a limited range and habitat loss the species is considered endangered. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Powell's tetra?
The Powell's tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small dwarf characin of vegetated coastal swamps; endangered through a limited range and habitat loss.
Where does the Powell's tetra live?
The Powell's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Freshwater of West Africa; vegetated swamps and streams of the coastal lowlands.
How big does the Powell's tetra get?
The Powell's tetra grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.
Is the Powell's tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Powell's tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Powell's tetra edible?
The Powell's tetra is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Powell's tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Powell's tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Neolebias
More from the family Distichodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Powell's tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Powell's tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.