Nannocharax maculicauda Vari & Géry, 1981

Family:  Distichodontidae (Distichodus)
Max. size:  3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Lower Guinea endemic, known from the Ntem, Mbini [=Woleu] and the Ogowe River basins (Ref. 81638).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Diagnosis: distinct, large round spot on posterior portion of caudal peduncle and mid-basal caudal fin rays (Ref. 81638). Description: body depth 0.24-0.30 SL and slightly laterally compressed; maxilla edentulous, premaxilla with 6-7, dentary with 7-8 bicuspid teeth; tip of pelvic fin reaching three quarters of distance to vent; body scales ctenoid and of moderate size; lateral line irregularly pored in smaller individuals, but complete in large specimens, with 55-61 scales; 5 scales between anal fin origin and lateral line; D: II-III,9-11; A: II,10-11 (Ref. 81638). Coloration: preserved specimens pale yellow; dark chromatophores on dorsal portion of head and along anterior margin of maxilla; pale chromatophores overlying brain visible through transparent frontals and parietals; scales on dorsal portion of body posterior to base of dorsal fin outlined with dark chromatophores; large, dark, horizontally elongate spot on lateral surface of posterior portion of caudal peduncle and mid-basal portions of caudal rays (Ref. 81638). More details on fin coloration can be found in Ref. 81638.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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