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African darter tetra (Nannocharax procatopus) — Distichodontidae

African darter tetra

Nannocharax procatopus
LC · Least Concern

The African darter tetra (Nannocharax procatopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; clear streams and rivers of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The African darter tetra is an African darter tetra (Distichodontidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species is small and elongate with a dark lengthwise stripe or a row of spots along the flank and props itself on its pectoral fins on the bottom. It inhabits clear streams and rivers with a sand or gravel bottom and keeps bottom-bound. It feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and growth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the African darter tetra?

The African darter tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Dark longitudinal stripe and support on the pectoral fins; small bottom-dwelling darter tetra.

Where does the African darter tetra live?

The African darter tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; clear streams and rivers of the Congo basin.

How big does the African darter tetra get?

The African darter tetra grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the African darter tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the African darter tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the African darter tetra edible?

The African darter tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
African darter tetra sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax procatopus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; clear streams and rivers of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae and biofilm sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Dark longitudinal stripe and support on the pectoral fins; small bottom-dwelling darter tetra. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannocharax

More from the family Distichodontidae

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