Fin's Fish Guide
The Cross River minnow (Leptocypris crossensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Cross River minnow is a small cyprinid from West Africa, known from the Cross in Nigeria and Cameroon and from the Wouri and Sanaga in Cameroon. The species grows to about 9.5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with large eyes, a dark back and plain or irregularly marked flanks. It lives in flowing fresh water and feeds omnivorously on small invertebrates and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cross River minnow?
The Cross River minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender body with large eyes; small schooling river fish
Where does the Cross River minnow live?
The Cross River minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa
How big does the Cross River minnow get?
The Cross River minnow grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Cross River minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Cross River minnow 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 Cross River minnow edible?
The Cross River minnow is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leptocypris
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Cross River minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cross River minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.