Fin's Fish Guide
The Lake Mweru sprat (Microthrissa moeruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Mweru sprat is a tiny freshwater herring of the family Clupeidae from Central Africa. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a slender, silvery body, typical of herrings. It is a lacustrine species from Lake Mweru, perhaps also from small inflowing streams and rivers. It forms schools in open water and feeds on zooplankton. As an abundant prey fish it is an important link in the lake's food web. Owing to a restricted range and threats to its habitat the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Mweru sprat?
The Lake Mweru sprat has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Tiny freshwater herring of Lake Mweru; vulnerable plankton-eating schooling fish.
Where does the Lake Mweru sprat live?
The Lake Mweru sprat lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Central Africa; Lake Mweru and possibly inflowing streams.
How big does the Lake Mweru sprat get?
The Lake Mweru sprat grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Lake Mweru sprat dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Mweru sprat is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lake Mweru sprat edible?
The Lake Mweru sprat is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Microthrissa
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Lake Mweru sprat?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lake Mweru sprat is one of 12,519 species in the app.