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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Firehead tetra

Petitella bleheri Géry & Mahnert, 1986
Max Length
3.6 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.1
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

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.

Scientific Name
Petitella bleheri
Authority
Géry & Mahnert, 1986
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
3.6 cm
Trophic Level
3.1
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Water Temp
23–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Petitella
Petitella
Species
Firehead tetra
Petitella bleheri

🐟 Physical Description

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.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Firehead tetra is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12. Tropical; 23°C - 26°C South America: Negro and Meta River basins.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.1±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01122 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
3.6cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
23–26°C
pH Range
5–6
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2021

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.1
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Géry & Mahnert, 1986

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Firehead tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Firehead 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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