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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Discus tetra

Brachychalcinus orbicularis Valenciennes, 1850
Max Length
9 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 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.

Scientific Name
Brachychalcinus orbicularis
Authority
Valenciennes, 1850
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
9 cm
Trophic Level
3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Water Temp
18–24 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Discus tetra is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Discus tetra is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Discus tetra is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Discus tetra is currently being compiled.

🌍 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

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3±0.32
Food Items

worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01585 × L3.12 (TL)
Max TL
9cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
18–24°C
pH Range
5.5–7.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
19.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Valenciennes, 1850

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Discus tetra is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

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

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 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

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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View all observations for Discus tetra ↗
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