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Northern robber tetra (Rhabdalestes septentrionalis) — Alestidae

Northern robber tetra

Rhabdalestes septentrionalis
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Northern robber tetra (Rhabdalestes septentrionalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Rhabdalestes septentrionalis is a small African characin (family Alestidae) of the continent's northern tropics. The species reaches only about 7 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a fine lateral stripe and a group of pigment cells above the base of the anal fin. It lives pelagically in schools in rivers and floodplains and feeds on small invertebrates and insects. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value. Little is known in detail about its reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Northern robber tetra?

The Northern robber tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Northern robber tetra live?

The Northern robber tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Northern robber tetra get?

The Northern robber tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Northern robber tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Northern robber tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Northern robber tetra edible?

The Northern robber tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Noordelijke zalmtetra sourced
English name
Northern robber tetra sourced
Scientific name
Rhabdalestes septentrionalis
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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 Rhabdalestes

More from the family Alestidae

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