Fin's Fish Guide
The African pike characin (Phago intermedius) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.
West and Central Africa, in rivers and streams of the Niger and Congo basins among others.
Description
Phago intermedius is a pike-like African characiform (family Distichodontidae) of West and Central Africa. The species reaches about 16 cm and has an elongate, silvery-grey body with elongate, toothed jaws. It lives in rivers and streams of, among others, the Niger and Congo basins and hunts small fishes; species of the genus Phago are known for biting the fins off other fishes. Owing to this habit the species is of little commercial value. It is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African pike characin?
The African pike characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pike-like characin with elongated jaws; known for biting the fins off other fishes.
Where does the African pike characin live?
The African pike characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West and Central Africa, in rivers and streams of the Niger and Congo basins among others.
How big does the African pike characin get?
The African pike characin grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the African pike characin dangerous to humans?
No, the African pike characin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African pike characin edible?
The African pike characin is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the African pike characin?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phago
More from the family Distichodontidae
Want the complete picture on the African pike characin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African pike characin is one of 12,519 species in the app.