A new genus and species of tetra: Phycocharax rasbora

by | Feb 22, 2017 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments


A new genus and species of tetra: Phycocharax rasbora


Male Phycocharax rasbora

Tetras are one of the world’s most species rich family of fish (over 1,000 species).  Now we can add another species – and genus – to the family.  Phycocharax rasbora is a tetra discovered from a dammed portion of rio Braço Norte, a blackwater tributary with muddy organic substrate that is rich with algae. The new species is highly abundant here.

The males and females are sexually dimorphic; the males are considerably more colorful with lots of dull to bright red “flecking” throughout its body, notably the eyes and belly.

Phycocharax rasbora is described in PLOS.

Female Phycocharax rasbora
Female Phycocharax rasbora

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

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