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Dwarf citharine (Nannocharax machadoi) — Distichodontidae

Dwarf citharine

Nannocharax machadoi
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf citharine (Nannocharax machadoi) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Machado's darter tetra is a small, elongate fish of the family Distichodontidae from southern Africa. The species grows to only about 4 cm and inhabits clear, quiet and well-vegetated waters; it is common on floodplains and in the Okavango Delta. With a downward-facing mouth it picks periphyton and tiny invertebrates from the stems and leaves of water plants. The body bears dark crossbars that provide camouflage among the vegetation. The species breeds in summer and is an attractive, peaceful aquarium fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf citharine?

The Dwarf citharine has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Dwarf citharine live?

The Dwarf citharine lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Dwarf citharine get?

The Dwarf citharine grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Dwarf citharine dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf citharine is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf citharine edible?

The Dwarf citharine is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Machado's bodemzalm sourced
English name
Dwarf citharine verified
Scientific name
Nannocharax machadoi
Family
Distichodontidae
Other names
Dwarf citharine verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannocharax

More from the family Distichodontidae

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