Fin's Fish Guide
The Lake Turkana citharine (Citharinus citharus) is a freshwater fish of the family Citharinidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Description
Citharinus citharus, the moonfish, is an African fish of the family Citharinidae from large rivers and lakes of the Sahel region and Northeast Africa. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a small head and reaches about 58 cm. It lives in schools in large, slow-flowing rivers and shoreline zones of lakes. As a mainly plant-eating and fine-filtering species it feeds on phytoplankton, algae and detritus filtered from the water and the bottom. Owing to its size and abundance the species is important for fisheries in the Sudan region and is regularly eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Turkana citharine?
The Lake Turkana citharine has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, silvery body; fine-filtering plant-eating shoaling fish.
Where does the Lake Turkana citharine live?
The Lake Turkana citharine lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Large rivers and lakes of the Sahel region and North-East Africa.
How big does the Lake Turkana citharine get?
The Lake Turkana citharine grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.
Is the Lake Turkana citharine dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Turkana citharine 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 Turkana citharine edible?
Yes, the Lake Turkana citharine is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Citharinus
More from the family Citharinidae
Want the complete picture on the Lake Turkana citharine?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lake Turkana citharine is one of 12,519 species in the app.