Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo citharine (Citharinus congicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Citharinidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
Citharinus congicus is an African fish of the family Citharinidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a small head and reaches about 43 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 fishes that branched off early in the evolution of the characiforms.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo citharine?
The Congo citharine has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, silvery body; fine-filtering plant-eating shoaling fish.
Where does the Congo citharine live?
The Congo 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 Congo citharine get?
The Congo citharine grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.
Is the Congo citharine dangerous to humans?
No, the Congo 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 Congo citharine edible?
Yes, the Congo citharine is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Congo citharine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo citharine is one of 12,519 species in the app.