Discus tetra
📖 Overview
Discus tetra (Brachychalcinus orbicularis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Acestrorhamphidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 9 cm. With a trophic level of 3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Discus tetra is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Discus tetra is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 25. Tropical; 18°C - 24°C South America: Coastal drainages of Suriname and Guyana.
🌿 Ecology
worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Discus tetra is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Discus tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Discus tetra has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Disc Tetra · Discus Tetra · Disk Tetra · Salmon Discus · Silver Disc Tetra · Silver Dollar Tetra |
| 🌍CES | tetřík diskovitý |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Diskostetra |
| 🇩🇪German | Diskussalmler |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Kiekkotetra |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Tetra-disco |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Гвианский брахихальцинус |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Moneda |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Diskustetra |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brachychalcinus guianensis | Boeseman | 1952 | Synonym |
| Ephippicharax orbicularis | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Poptella orbicularis | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Tetragonopterus orbicularis | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Discus tetra.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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