Ornate tetra

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Onglets

Description

Distinguishing features

The body of this fish is covered with silvery-pink scales.

The tip of the black dorsal fin is white. A reddish spot can be found on each side of the caudal fin. The pelvic fins and the anal fin are pink or reddish and marked with a small splash of white.

Reproduction

The ornate tetra prefers to lay its eggs in the morning on aquatic plants. Parental care is nonexistent.

Diet

Omnivorous, the ornate tetra is a big predator of fry and small invertebrates like crustaceans. It also feeds occasionally on filamentous algae and berries.

Predators

A number of larger fish may attack and feed on ornate tetra.

Habitat

The ornate tetra can be found in the quiet waters of streams, river bends, floodplains and forest lakes in the Amazon basin.

It prefers acidic waters, rich in vegetation and with a sandy bottom. Branches, dead roots and decomposing organic matter are also representative features of its habitat.

This species is pollution-intolerant.

Ecology, behaviour

Timid and peaceful by nature, the ornate tetra generally lives in shoals.

French name

Tétra rosé

Scientific name

Hyphessobrycon bentosi

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Osteichthyes (bony fish)

Order

Characiformes

Family

Characidae

Size

4 cm

Life span

From 3 to 5 years

Status

Least concern (IUCN)

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