Fin's Fish Guide
The Lualaba tetra (Micralestes lualabae) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The Lualaba tetra is an African characin (Alestidae) from the upper Congo basin, named after the Lualaba river. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with an adipose fin, characteristic of characins. It lives in schools in rivers and streams, where in the open water column and at the surface it hunts insects, small zooplankton and other drifting food. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lualaba tetra?
The Lualaba tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small shoaling characin with an adipose fin from the Lualaba River.
Where does the Lualaba tetra live?
The Lualaba tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Upper Congo basin in Central Africa; rivers and streams.
How big does the Lualaba tetra get?
The Lualaba tetra grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Lualaba tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Lualaba tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lualaba tetra edible?
The Lualaba tetra is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Micralestes
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Lualaba tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lualaba tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.