Fin's Fish Guide
The Christy's minnow (Raiamas christyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
Description
Christy's minnow is a slender, silvery African cyprinid of the family Danionidae reaching about 18 cm. The elongate body bears rows of bluish crossbars on the flank and has a large, terminal mouth; the streamlined shape betrays a fast, active swimmer. The species lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and creeks of the Congo basin in Central Africa. As a surface hunter it darts at insects that fall onto the water, supplemented with small fish and crustaceans. In the rainy season it spawns. Because of its slender build and hunting behaviour it resembles a small predator; it is a common species of African streams and a prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Christy's minnow?
The Christy's minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, silver African cyprinid with rows of bluish transverse blotches and a large, terminal mouth; an active surface hunter.
Where does the Christy's minnow live?
The Christy's minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and creeks.
How big does the Christy's minnow get?
The Christy's minnow grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Christy's minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Christy's minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Christy's minnow edible?
The Christy's minnow is rarely eaten.
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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 Christy's minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Christy's minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.