tetra
/ˈtɛtrə
/noun
A small tropical freshwater fish that is typically brightly coloured. Native to Africa and America, many tetras are popular in aquaria.
- Numerous genera and species in the family Characidae, including the neon tetra.
- Like many tetras, the glowlight tetra is a schooling fish and prefers to swim in the company of at least seven of its peers.
- The freshwater mollies and tetras are rather ferocious and may take chunks out of your skin like miniature piranhas.
Origin
Mid 20th century: abbreviation of modern Latin Tetragonopterus (former genus name), literally 'tetragonal finned'.