Fin's Fish Guide
The Lake Tanganyika minnow (Opsaridium leleupi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
Leleup's minnow is a slender cyprinid from the Lake Tanganyika basin in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body, adapted to flowing water. It migrates from the lake into clear tributary streams to spawn and actively hunts insects and small invertebrates at or near the surface. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Tanganyika minnow?
The Lake Tanganyika minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Streamlined; enters feeder streams to spawn
Where does the Lake Tanganyika minnow live?
The Lake Tanganyika minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Tanganyika
How big does the Lake Tanganyika minnow get?
The Lake Tanganyika minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Lake Tanganyika minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Tanganyika 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 Lake Tanganyika minnow edible?
The Lake Tanganyika minnow is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opsaridium
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Lake Tanganyika minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lake Tanganyika minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.