Home · Distichodontidae · Small African darter
Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae

Small African darter

Nannocharax parvus
LC · Least Concern

The Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.

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

Description

Nannocharax parvus is a very small, bottom-dwelling characiform (family Distichodontidae) of West and Central Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with dark bars, resting among stones and sand on the bottom, similar to the North American darters. Its diet consists of small bottom invertebrates and insect larvae. The species lives in small groups in flowing waters. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Small African darter?

The Small African darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Small African darter live?

The Small African darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Small African darter get?

The Small African darter grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Small African darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Small African darter is harmless to humans.

Is the Small African darter edible?

The Small African darter is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleine darterzalm sourced
English name
Small African darter sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax parvus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.3 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal 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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →