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Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) — Bryconidae

Sicklefin tetra

Brycon falcatus
Family: Bryconidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Bryconidae that grows up to 49 cm.

Length
48.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Rivers of northern South America.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Brycon falcatus is a sizeable characin of the family Bryconidae from northern South America. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with powerful fins and can reach about 49 cm. It inhabits rivers, where it swims fast and nimbly in the open water column. As an omnivore it feeds on fruits, seeds, insects and small fishes, and in flooded forests plays a role in seed dispersal. Owing to its size and good flesh the species is a valued food fish that is fished commercially in places. Relatively little is known about its precise reproduction and biology.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sicklefin tetra?

The Sicklefin tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Fast, robust river fish that helps disperse seeds in flooded forests.

Where does the Sicklefin tetra live?

The Sicklefin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rivers of northern South America.

How big does the Sicklefin tetra get?

The Sicklefin tetra grows to a maximum of about 49 cm.

Is the Sicklefin tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Sicklefin 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 Sicklefin tetra edible?

Yes, the Sicklefin tetra is commonly eaten.

More photos

Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) — Bryconidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) — Bryconidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Conrado Pável de Oliveira, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) — Bryconidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) wboard71, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sicklefin tetra (Brycon falcatus) — Bryconidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) KENNEDY BORGES, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Sicklefin tetra sourced
Scientific name
Brycon falcatus
Family
Bryconidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.9 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
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Rivers of northern South America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fruits, seeds, insects and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Fast, robust river fish that helps disperse seeds in flooded forests. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Brycon

More from the family Bryconidae

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