Fin's Fish Guide
The Liebrechts' alestes (Alestes liebrechtsii) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes.
Description
Liebrechts' alestes is a sturdy, silvery African tetra of the family Alestidae reaching about 40 cm. The laterally compressed body has large, shiny scales, an adipose fin (as in many characins) and a deeply forked tail. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in schools in rivers, creeks and lakes. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans and plant matter, and in the rainy season much fallen fruit and seeds from flooded bankside forest, helping disperse seeds. With its size and tasty flesh it is locally a valued food fish and an important link in the river's food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Liebrechts' alestes?
The Liebrechts' alestes has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy, silvery African characin with large scales, an adipose fin and a deeply forked tail.
Where does the Liebrechts' alestes live?
The Liebrechts' alestes lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in rivers, creeks and lakes.
How big does the Liebrechts' alestes get?
The Liebrechts' alestes grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Liebrechts' alestes dangerous to humans?
No, the Liebrechts' alestes is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Liebrechts' alestes edible?
Yes, the Liebrechts' alestes is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Alestes
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Liebrechts' alestes?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Liebrechts' alestes is one of 12,519 species in the app.