| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae |
| Max. size: |
14 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: widespread in southern Africa from the Zambian Congo system (Ref. 52193) and the Cunene, Okavango (Ref. 7248, 11970, 52193, 120641), and Zambezi south to the Phongolo (Ref. 52193). Also present in the Cuanza (Ref. 11970, 120641) and Bengo in Angola (Ref. 11970). Absent from the lower Zambezi, Buzi, Pungwe and Save systems (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Description: Body slender and attenuated; back short, with dorsal fin in advance of pelvic fins (Ref. 52193). Eyes large, dorsolateral in position; mouth inferior, with 2 pairs of long barbels (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 8 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5-6 branched rays (Ref. 11970, 52193). Lateral line scales 29-35 (Ref. 52193, 122753). Colouration: Translucent brown with silvery white below, a characteristic dark lateral stripe and chevron markings on lateral line; dorsal fin tip and trailing edges black (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
Found in a wide variety of habitats including flowing and standing waters; thrives in dams and lakes (Ref. 52193). It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and grass seeds (Ref. 52193). Breeds after rains during summer months (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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