Sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus)

Scientific name: Crenuchus spilurus G?nther, 1863

Sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus)

The Sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: South America, Orinoco and Amazon River basins; and coastal rivers in the Guianas.

Sailfin tetra care at a glance

Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Little is known of its biology in its natural environment. Unlike most Characoids, this species is typically solitary and territorial. The dimensions of the mouth confirms its predatory habits. Its food consists mainly of Ephemeroptera larvae, copepods and ostracods. In the aquarium, only the male guards the spawned eggs. About a hundred eggs are deposited on the substrate and dispersed by the male. Reproduces by laying eggs on stones or submerged leaves.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Crenuchus spilurus
Family
Crenuchidae (South American darters)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
5.7
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 5 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Orinoco and Amazon River basins; and coastal rivers in the Guianas.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=60)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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