| Family: |
Alestidae (African tetras) |
| Max. size: |
8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Cunene, Okavango, Upper Zambezi and Kafue systems. A similar, possibly identical, species (Rhadalestes rhodesiensis) occurs in the Zambian Congo system (Lakes Bangweulu and Mweru, and Luapula River). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 16-19. Can be easily confused with Micralestes acutidens but has a more slender body with no black tip to the dorsal fin. Does not possess a pair of conical teeth behind row of teeth in lower jaw as in M. acutidens. |
| Biology: |
Shoals in shallow, vegetated marginal and floodplain habitats. Appears to prefer a swampy environment to open water (Ref. 13337). Feeds on small aquatic insects and other invertebrates. A partial spawner, breeding during high-water periods (Ref. 7248). Known to migrate up rivers and on to floodplains during flood season (Ref. 13337). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 April 2007 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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