Fin's Fish Guide
The Nile minnow (Leptocypris niloticus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Widespread in Africa, in the Nile basin and West African river systems.
Description
Leptocypris niloticus is a slender cyprinid (family Cyprinidae) widely distributed in Africa. The species reaches about 11 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body. It lives in schools in the open water of rivers and streams in, among others, the Nile basin and West African river systems. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value, but it forms a food source for larger predatory fishes. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nile minnow?
The Nile minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, schooling small cyprinid of open water in rivers and streams.
Where does the Nile minnow live?
The Nile minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in Africa, in the Nile basin and West African river systems.
How big does the Nile minnow get?
The Nile minnow grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Nile minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Nile minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Nile minnow edible?
The Nile minnow is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Nile minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nile minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leptocypris
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Nile minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nile minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.