| Family: |
Alestidae (African tetras) |
| Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Kouilou basin in Republic of the Congo (Ref. 80297) and Ogowe basin in Gabon and Republic of the Congo (Ref. 80290); also in the middle and upper Congo River basin (Ref. 42032, 80290). |
| Diagnosis: |
Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 20-22. Diagnosis: flanks with broad midlateral band from opercular margin to posterior margin of median caudal fin rays (Ref. 80290).
Description: body robust, greatest body depth 32-38% of SL and head length 25-28% of SL; mouth slightly superior, lower jaw prominent, its depth about 2x that of upper jaw; premaxilla with 2 teeth in outer row each bearing 3-5 cusps, 4 teeth in inner row each bearing 5-7 cusps; dentary with 4 teeth in outer row each bearing 3-7 cusps, a monocuspid inner dentary tooth variably present at symphysis posterior to outer row teeth; lateral line complete, 7-12 tubes, ultimate canal-bearing scale at vertical through posterior pectoral fin tip to pelvic fin origin; adipose fin not large, posterior margin reaching to vertical through middle of caudal peduncle; dorsal fin rays elongate in males; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 17-19 branched rays (Ref. 80290).
Coloration: flanks silvery; broad dark lateral band from opercular margin to caudal fin, extending to posterior margin of median rays; band of variable width and intensity, most prominent on posterior third of flank, often fairly diffuse anteriorly and merging with humeral spot (variably present); when faint or diffuse, lateral band comprised of pigment restricted to scale base and yielding faint cross-hatch pattern; anterior margin of dorsal fin and ventral margin of anal fin often trimmed by dark pigment, fins otherwise dusky (Ref. 80290). |
| Biology: |
Maximum size 95 mm SL (Ref. 80290). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
