| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae |
| Max. size: |
35 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa: endemic to the Lake Malawi basin (Ref. 2801). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Description: Depth of body 3.5 times in total length; length of head 3.8 times in total length (Ref. 2988). Snout rounded, not longer than eye, which is 4.6 times in head length; interorbital width 2.75 times in head length; mouth inferior, its width 3.5 times in head length; lips feebly developed, restricted to the sides; a single barbel on each side, not half the eye-diameter (Ref. 2988). Dorsal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays; last spine strong, bony and strongly serrated; anal fin with 3 spines and 5 soft rays; base of pelvic fin in front of dorsal fin (Ref. 2988, 4967). Scales on lateral line 35-40, 4 scales between lateral line and pelvic fin; scales have radial striae (Ref. 2988, 4967). Colouration: Silvery; caudal fin of juveniles reddish (Ref. 4967). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits inshore areas in the lake; breeds in rivers and temporary streams (Ref. 4967). Also caught using scoop nets (Ref. 4967). A predatory species that feeds on small fishes and invertebrates (Ref. 5595). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 23 May 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
