Fin's Fish Guide
The Short-headed tetra (Knodus breviceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The short-headed tetra is a small characin from the Tocantins basin in Brazil in South America. It grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a short head and, like most tetras, an adipose fin behind the dorsal fin. It lives in schools in tropical fresh water, both near the bottom and in the water column, and feeds omnivorously on small invertebrates and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Short-headed tetra?
The Short-headed tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Short head; small adipose fin; small shoaling tetra
Where does the Short-headed tetra live?
The Short-headed tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Tocantins basin (South America)
How big does the Short-headed tetra get?
The Short-headed tetra grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Short-headed tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Short-headed 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.
Is the Short-headed tetra edible?
The Short-headed tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Knodus
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Short-headed tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Short-headed tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.