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Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline (Odaxothrissa ansorgii) — Clupeidae

Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline

Odaxothrissa ansorgii
Family: Clupeidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline (Odaxothrissa ansorgii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.3 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Ansorge's fangtooth pellonuline is a small, predatory herring relative (family Clupeidae) from fresh and brackish waters of West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body. Unlike most plankton-feeding herrings it bears conspicuous canine teeth, with which it hunts small fishes and invertebrates. It lives in schools in rivers, streams and lagoons. The species is taken in subsistence fisheries and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline?

The Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Striking canine teeth; a predatory herring relative.

Where does the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline live?

The Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa.

How big does the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline get?

The Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline dangerous to humans?

No, the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline edible?

Yes, the Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ansorge fangtooth pellonuline verified
Scientific name
Odaxothrissa ansorgii
Family
Clupeidae
Other names
Ansorge's fangtooth pellonuline verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Reproduction coincides with the rainy season. inferred
Special features
Striking canine teeth; a predatory herring relative. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Odaxothrissa

More from the family Clupeidae

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