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Ansorge's tetra (Nannopetersius ansorgii) — Alestidae

Ansorge's tetra

Nannopetersius ansorgii
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ansorge's tetra (Nannopetersius ansorgii) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Eq Guinea, Gabon

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Description

Nannopetersius ansorgii is a small African freshwater fish of the African tetra family (Alestidae). The species has a streamlined, spindle-shaped and laterally compressed body that typically grows to about 7 cm. It is a pelagic, schooling fish of rivers and streams, where it feeds on small invertebrates and other animal matter in the water column. Like many related characiforms it bears an adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins. The species has no commercial value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction in the wild.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ansorge's tetra?

The Ansorge's tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Has an adipose fin, typical of salmonids.

Where does the Ansorge's tetra live?

The Ansorge's tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Eq Guinea, Gabon

How big does the Ansorge's tetra get?

The Ansorge's tetra grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Ansorge's tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Ansorge's tetra 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.

More photos

Ansorge's tetra (Nannopetersius ansorgii) — Alestidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ansorge's tetra (Nannopetersius ansorgii) — Alestidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Ansorge's tetra sourced
Scientific name
Nannopetersius ansorgii
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Eq Guinea, Gabon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and zooplankton sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Reproduction probably coincides with the rainy season. inferred
Special features
Has an adipose fin, typical of salmonids. sourced

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Nannopetersius

More from the family Alestidae

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