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Tetra (Creagrutus affinis) — Characidae

Tetra

Creagrutus affinis
Family: Characidae
LC · Least Concern

The Tetra (Creagrutus affinis) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northwestern South America and Central America; clear streams and rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The tetra is a characin (Characidae) from northwestern South America and Central America. The species is small and silvery with a dark spot on the tail base, typical of the genus. It lives near the bottom in schools in clear streams and rivers and forages among gravel and leaf litter. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tetra?

The Tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Dark caudal blotch; widespread trans-Andean bottom-dwelling tetra of Colombia and Panama.

Where does the Tetra live?

The Tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northwestern South America and Central America; clear streams and rivers.

How big does the Tetra get?

The Tetra grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Tetra edible?

The Tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Tetra sourced
Scientific name
Creagrutus affinis
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Northwestern South America and Central America; clear streams and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark caudal blotch; widespread trans-Andean bottom-dwelling tetra of Colombia and Panama. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Creagrutus

More from the family Characidae

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