Firehead tetra (Petitella bleheri) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 3.6 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.
This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: head with a much more intense and widespread red color, extending up to the humeral region (vs. limited red coloration and not extending to humeral region in georgiae, rhodostoma); horizontal black bar on the end of the caudal peduncle is never prolonged forward (vs. prolonged up to the anal-fin in georgiae, rhodostoma); anal-fin hyaline (vs. a black bar present on the base of the anterior part of the anal-fin, continuing obliquely on the branched rays in georgiae, rhodostoma) .Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Firehead tetra is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled.
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12. Tropical; 23°C - 26°C South America: Negro and Meta River basins.
Detailed nutritional data for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
Mercury data for Firehead tetra has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
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