Fin's Fish Guide
The Tail-light tetra (Bryconops melanurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Iguanodectidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (including the Amazon and Guiana region), in clear streams and rivers with current.
Description
The tail-light tetra is a slender, silvery characin of the family Iguanodectidae reaching about 13 cm. The elongate body has an adipose fin, an upturned mouth and a conspicuous dark spot on the tail base that gives the species its name. The species lives in schools in clear, flowing streams and rivers of northern South America, including the Amazon and Guianas region. It hunts mainly at the surface for insects that fall onto the water, supplemented with small crustaceans and larvae. In the rainy season it spawns. Because of its lively swimming it occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby, but it is mainly a common wild schooling fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tail-light tetra?
The Tail-light tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silvery small characin with an adipose fin, an upturned mouth and a conspicuous dark blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Tail-light tetra live?
The Tail-light tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America (including the Amazon and Guiana region), in clear streams and rivers with current.
How big does the Tail-light tetra get?
The Tail-light tetra grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Tail-light tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Tail-light tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tail-light tetra edible?
The Tail-light tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Bryconops
More from the family Iguanodectidae
Want the complete picture on the Tail-light tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tail-light tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.