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Spotfin tetra (Serrapinnus calliurus) — Characidae

Spotfin tetra

Serrapinnus calliurus
Family: Characidae

The Spotfin tetra (Serrapinnus calliurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

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Description

The spotfin tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Parana and Paraguay basin in South America. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark tail spot; courting males have finely extended fins. As a social schooling fish it swims among water plants and snaps at small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotfin tetra?

The Spotfin tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotfin tetra live?

The Spotfin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

How big does the Spotfin tetra get?

The Spotfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Spotfin tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotfin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotfin tetra sourced
Scientific name
Serrapinnus calliurus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Serrapinnus

More from the family Characidae

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