Redspotted tetra
📖 Overview
Redspotted tetra (Copeina guttata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Lebiasinidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.6 cm. With a trophic level of 3.1, 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 Redspotted tetra is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Redspotted tetra is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
In captivity at spawning time, after some vigorous driving and prodding of the female, male comes alongside and slightly below the female. Male then pushes an open pocket (formed using his anal fin) below the genital opening of the female; female releases eggs into the pocket and male fertilizes them and allows them to drop into a small pit in the sand that he has previously made. Male fans the eggs with his fins until hatching, in about 24 hours, and continues to guard the fry until they are free-swimming .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 23°C - 28°C South America: middle Amazon River basin.
🌿 Ecology
worms, insects and small crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Redspotted 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 Redspotted tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Redspotted 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 | red spotted characin · Red-spotted Copeina · redspotted copeina · Redspotted Tetra |
| 🌍CES | tetra pstruhovitá |
| 🇵🇱Polish | smukleń kropkowany |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Copeina · Copeína Rubi |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Форелевая копейна |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Urquisho |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Redspotted tetra.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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