Genus
Aphyocharax
- Species
- 3
- Photographed
- 3 of 3
- Difficulty rated
- 3 of 3
Where the name comes fromEdit
from the Greek aphýē (Gr. ἀφύη), meaning 'small fry' (i.e., small fish) and chárax (Gr. χάραξ), a pointed stake of a palisade, referring to densely packed sharp teeth and a common root-name formation in the order Characiformes.
Aphyocharax anisitsiBloodfin Tetra
Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903
The bloodfin tetra, Aphyocharax anisitsi, is a characid endemic to the Paraná River drainage in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. A hardy species that adapts to a wide range of conditions, it can even be kept unheated in a well-insulated house, though it is less colourful in cooler water. Captive specimens over ten years old are not unheard of. It may nip long-finned or slow-moving tankmates, and the tank needs a tight cover as it will jump.
Aphyocharax nattereriDawn Tetra
Steindachner, 1882
The dawn tetra, Aphyocharax nattereri, is a small characid from southern Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. In the hobby it is usually called A. paraguayensis, a name considered a synonym of A. nattereri since 2003. Confusion remains, because the type locality of A. nattereri lies on the main Amazon channel, far from most confirmed localities. It is most often imported as a contaminant among shipments of other species.
Aphyocharax rathbuniGreen Fire Tetra
Eigenmann, 1907
The green fire tetra, or Rathbun's bloodfin, Aphyocharax rathbuni, is a characid endemic to the Paraguay, Paraná and Uruguay river drainages. It is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, in streams and rivers shaded by floating or overhanging vegetation. Although suitable for a community aquarium, it has a reputation as a fin-nipper, and long-finned species such as many cichlids and anabantoids should be avoided as tankmates.