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Threadfin tetra (Nematocharax venustus) — Characidae

Threadfin tetra

Nematocharax venustus
Family: Characidae

The Threadfin tetra (Nematocharax venustus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The threadfin tetra is a small characin (Characidae) from fresh water of eastern Brazil. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a deep, silvery body; adult males develop conspicuously long, thread-like extensions on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. It lives in schools in clear streams and eats small insects, larvae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threadfin tetra?

The Threadfin tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Threadfin tetra live?

The Threadfin tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Threadfin tetra get?

The Threadfin tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Threadfin tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Threadfin 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
Threadfin tetra sourced
Scientific name
Nematocharax venustus
Family
Characidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.1 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil 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
Yes sourced
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

More from the family Characidae

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