Fin's Fish Guide
The Surinam tetra (Moenkhausia surinamensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas and the Amazon basin), in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks.
Description
The Surinam tetra is a small, silvery characin of the family Characidae (true tetras) reaching about 10 cm. The slender, laterally compressed body has an adipose fin (as in many characins) and a dark spot on the tail base. The species comes from the fresh water of northern South America, the Guianas and the Amazon basin, and lives in schools in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks. 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 among the water plants. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Surinam tetra?
The Surinam tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, silvery tetra with an adipose fin and a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle; a peaceful schooling fish.
Where does the Surinam tetra live?
The Surinam tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America (the Guianas and the Amazon basin), in clear streams and rivers with vegetated banks.
How big does the Surinam tetra get?
The Surinam tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Surinam tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Surinam tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Surinam tetra edible?
The Surinam tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Moenkhausia
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Surinam tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Surinam tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.