| Family: |
Alestidae (African tetras) |
| Max. size: |
13.8 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Lakes Victoria, Kyoga and Nabugabo; Victoria Nile, Malawa River (Ref. 4903, 34290) and Middle Akagera (Ref. 46152). Also reported from Aswa River (Ref. 4903), Lake Rukwa basin (Ref. 27292) and Malagarazi River (Ref. 54847, 98755). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 20-21. Anal fin margin of females straight or very slightly concave; markedly convex in males (individual rays are stouter and coarser than those of females). Silver, bluish to black dorsally; silver longitudinal band running from behind the operculum to the caudal peduncle, where it merges with an irregular black blotch which extends to the caudal fin base. All fins grey in color; other specimens all yellowish (except for pectorals). Dorsal adipose fin bright orange (Ref. 34290). |
| Biology: |
In Lake Victoria found in shallow inshore areas with papyrus and other aquatic vegetation (Ref. 34290). In Lakes Kyoga and Nabugabo amongst marginal vegetation; believed to run up rivers during rainy season to spawn (Ref. 4903). Present in lake and affluents in the Lake Rukwa basin (Ref. 27292). Feeds on aquatic plants and surface insects (chironomid pupae), rarely on fishes (Ref. 12526). Appears in small quantities in markets (Ref. 4967). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 September 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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