Fin's Fish Guide
The Bates's minnow (Raiamas batesii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Central Africa; coastal rivers of Cameroon (Dja, Sanaga and Nyong river basins).
Description
Bates's minnow is a small African cyprinid from coastal rivers of Cameroon in Central Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a large mouth, built for fast swimming, and often a row of dark blotches on the flank. It lives in schools in open, flowing water of rivers and creeks. As a small predator it hunts insects, small invertebrates and small fishes. With its fast swimming style it hunts actively in the upper water layers. As a small fish it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bates's minnow?
The Bates's minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, fast predatory carp with a large mouth; hunts actively in the upper water layers.
Where does the Bates's minnow live?
The Bates's minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; coastal rivers of Cameroon (Dja, Sanaga and Nyong river basins).
How big does the Bates's minnow get?
The Bates's minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Bates's minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Bates's minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bates's minnow edible?
The Bates's minnow is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raiamas
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bates's minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bates's minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.