Uruguay tetra
📖 Overview
Uruguay tetra (Cheirodon interruptus), first described by Jenyns, 1842 is a small fish in the family Characidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 5.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Characidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 18. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Uruguay tetra is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical South America: Atlantic versant rivers from Tramandaí River drainage in Brazil to the Colorado River in Argentina, including the lower Paraná and Uruguay River basins, and Laguna dos Patos drainage.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Uruguay 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 Uruguay tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Uruguay 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheirodon felipponei | Fowler | 1943 | Synonym |
| Cheirodon interruptus interruptus | Jenyns | 1842 | Synonym |
| Cheirodon leuciscus | Ahl | 1936 | Synonym |
| Cheirodon meinkeni | Ahl | 1928 | Synonym |
| Cheirodon monodon | Cope | 1894 | Synonym |
| Chirodon monodon | Cope | 1894 | Synonym |
| Hyphessobrycon nigrifrons | Ahl | 1936 | Synonym |
| Odontostilbe felipponei | Fowler | 1943 | Synonym |
| Pedalibrycon felipponei | Fowler | 1943 | Synonym |
| Tetragonopterus interruptus | Jenyns | 1842 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Uruguay tetra.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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