Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser bathybates (Bathybates minor) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
Bathybates minor is the smallest species of the genus Bathybates and is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species reaches about 20 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with dark spots. It lives pelagically in the open, deeper water of the lake and forms schools. As a predator it hunts mainly the freshwater sardines, the abundant clupeids of Lake Tanganyika. The species is of commercial value to local fisheries and is harmless to humans. Like many Tanganyika cichlids it reproduces with parental care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser bathybates?
The Lesser bathybates has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Smallest species of the genus Bathybates; pelagic predatory cichlid that hunts freshwater herrings.
Where does the Lesser bathybates live?
The Lesser bathybates lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, in open, deeper water.
How big does the Lesser bathybates get?
The Lesser bathybates grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Lesser bathybates dangerous to humans?
No, the Lesser bathybates is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lesser bathybates edible?
Yes, the Lesser bathybates is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Bathybates
More from the family Cichlidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser bathybates is one of 12,519 species in the app.