Fin's Fish Guide
The Sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows up to 6 cm.
South America: Orinoco and Amazon basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas; soft, acidic tropical water.
Description
The sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus) is a small freshwater characin from the Orinoco and Amazon basins and the coastal rivers of the Guianas. It reaches only about 6 centimetres and lives in soft, acidic tropical water. Unlike most characins it is typically solitary and territorial. The predatory little fish feeds mainly on mayfly larvae, copepods and ostracods. In spawning, eggs are deposited on a substrate, stone or leaf and are guarded and tended by the male. The enlarged dorsal and anal fins of males give the species its sailfin name. The species is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sailfin tetra?
The Sailfin tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Males with strikingly enlarged, sail-shaped dorsal and anal fins; unusually solitary and territorial for a characin.
Where does the Sailfin tetra live?
The Sailfin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Orinoco and Amazon basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas; soft, acidic tropical water.
How big does the Sailfin tetra get?
The Sailfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Sailfin tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Sailfin tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sailfin tetra edible?
The Sailfin tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Crenuchidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sailfin tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.