Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo silverside tetra (Micralestes congicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Congo silverside tetra is a small African characin from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body. It schools in clear rivers and streams and feeds on small zooplankton, insects and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo silverside tetra?
The Congo silverside tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender silvery body; schooling little African characin
Where does the Congo silverside tetra live?
The Congo silverside tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Congo basin
How big does the Congo silverside tetra get?
The Congo silverside tetra grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Congo silverside tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Congo silverside 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.
Is the Congo silverside tetra edible?
The Congo silverside tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Micralestes
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Congo silverside tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo silverside tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.