Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigscale citharine (Citharinus macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Citharinidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
Citharinus macrolepis is a large African fish of the family Citharinidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with conspicuously large scales and a small head, and can reach about 75 cm. It lives in schools in large rivers. As a fine-filtering, mainly plant-eating species it feeds on phytoplankton, algae and detritus, filtered from the water and the bottom. Owing to its size and abundance the species is important for fisheries and a valued food fish. It belongs to a distinct African family of fine-filtering characiforms.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigscale citharine?
The Bigscale citharine has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep body with large scales; fine-sieving herbivorous schooling fish.
Where does the Bigscale citharine live?
The Bigscale citharine lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Large rivers of the Congo basin in Central Africa.
How big does the Bigscale citharine get?
The Bigscale citharine grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Bigscale citharine dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigscale citharine 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 Bigscale citharine edible?
Yes, the Bigscale citharine is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Citharinus
More from the family Citharinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigscale citharine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigscale citharine is one of 12,519 species in the app.