Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean minnow (Leptocypris guineensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Guinean minnow is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from the fresh waters of West Africa. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a slender, silvery body. In the Guinean zone it replaces its relative from the Nile region. It lives in schools in rivers and streams. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small zooplankton and plant matter. It is an important prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean minnow?
The Guinean minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small shoaling minnow; replaces its Nile relative in the Guinean zone.
Where does the Guinean minnow live?
The Guinean minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of West Africa; rivers and streams of the Guinean zone.
How big does the Guinean minnow get?
The Guinean minnow grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Guinean minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Guinean minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guinean minnow edible?
The Guinean minnow is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.