| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae |
| Max. size: |
7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7; dH range: 10 |
| Distribution: |
Africa: East coastal rivers and freshwater lakes from the Ruvuma (Tanzania-Mozambique border) southwards to the Vungu in southern KwaZulu-Natal; generally confined to lowveld and coastal plain regions but penetrates inland in larger systems such as the Limpopo (Ref. 7248, 52193). Also in Kafue River system (Ref. 27607). Also reported from the upper Zambezi and the Kwango River (middle Congo River basin) in Angola (Ref. 11970), but the latter is unconfirmed in other sources and needs confirmation. Reported as Enteromius cf. viviparous from the Zambezi, Okavango and Kunene in Angola in Ref. 120641. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Description: Body slender, 2 pairs of long barbels(Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5-6 branched rays (Ref. 11970, 52193). Scales in lateral line 26-30, 12 around caudal peduncle (Ref. 11970, 52193). Colouration: Translucent olive brown above, silvery on sides and below; a complete or broken black stripe from behind the head ends as a spot at base of caudal fin; lateral line tubules marked by black chevrons, a dark spot present at base of anal fin; breeding males turn golden (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
Found in vegetated pools of streams and rivers and lake margins (Ref. 52193). It feeds on aquatic insects and other small organisms (Ref. 52193). Breeds in summer, breeding pairs lay eggs on submerged roots and vegetation (Ref. 52193). Reaches maturity within a year (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 July 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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