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Elongate African darter (Nannocharax elongatus) — Distichodontidae

Elongate African darter

Nannocharax elongatus
LC · Least Concern

The Elongate African darter (Nannocharax elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Nannocharax elongatus is a small, bottom-dwelling characiform (family Distichodontidae) of West and Central Africa. The species reaches about 8 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with dark bars, resting among sand and stones on the bottom, similar to the North American darters. Its diet consists of small bottom invertebrates and insect larvae. The species lives in small groups in flowing waters. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate African darter?

The Elongate African darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, elongated bottom-dwelling characin that rests among sand and stones.

Where does the Elongate African darter live?

The Elongate African darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers.

How big does the Elongate African darter get?

The Elongate African darter grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Elongate African darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate African darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Elongate African darter edible?

The Elongate African darter is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate African darter sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax elongatus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, elongated bottom-dwelling characin that rests among sand and stones. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannocharax

More from the family Distichodontidae

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