Fin's Fish Guide
The Storms' tetra (Micralestes stormsi) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear streams and rivers with current.
Description
Storms' tetra is a small, slender and silvery African characin of the family Alestidae reaching about 10 cm. The laterally compressed body has an adipose fin (as in many characins), shiny scales and often a dark spot on the tail base. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in schools in clear streams and rivers with current. As an omnivore it eats insects, zooplankton, algae and plant matter, taken in the water column and at the surface. In the rainy season it spawns. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and a link in the food web of the Congo rivers; it occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Storms' tetra?
The Storms' tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, slender, silvery African characin with an adipose fin and a dark caudal blotch.
Where does the Storms' tetra live?
The Storms' tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear streams and rivers with current.
How big does the Storms' tetra get?
The Storms' tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Storms' tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Storms' tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Storms' tetra edible?
The Storms' tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Micralestes
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Storms' tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Storms' tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.