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Highback darter characin (Nannocharax altus) — Distichodontidae

Highback darter characin

Nannocharax altus

The Highback darter characin (Nannocharax altus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo

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Description

The highback darter characin is a small African characin (Distichodontidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate, yellow-brown body with dark crossbars and large pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it rests among gravel and stones of clear rivers, darts forward in short bursts and snaps at insect larvae, algae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Highback darter characin?

The Highback darter characin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Highback darter characin live?

The Highback darter characin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo

How big does the Highback darter characin get?

The Highback darter characin grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Highback darter characin dangerous to humans?

No, the Highback darter characin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Highback darter characin sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax altus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nannocharax

More from the family Distichodontidae

Fin

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