Fin's Fish Guide
The Roundbelly pellonuline (Laeviscutella dekimpei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 6 cm.
West Africa, mainly in rivers near the coast; enters lagoons where the salinity varies with the tides.
Description
Laeviscutella dekimpei is a very small freshwater herring (family Clupeidae) of West Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a rounded belly. It is chiefly a riverine species occurring near the coast and entering lagoons, where salinity varies with the tides; it is presumably euryhaline, though it appears to avoid high salinities. As a filter feeder it lives on small zooplankton. It lives in schools and is caught locally in subsistence fisheries. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roundbelly pellonuline?
The Roundbelly pellonuline has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small freshwater herring with a rounded belly; probably euryhaline but avoids high salinities.
Where does the Roundbelly pellonuline live?
The Roundbelly pellonuline lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. West Africa, mainly in rivers near the coast; enters lagoons where the salinity varies with the tides.
How big does the Roundbelly pellonuline get?
The Roundbelly pellonuline grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Roundbelly pellonuline dangerous to humans?
No, the Roundbelly pellonuline is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Roundbelly pellonuline edible?
The Roundbelly pellonuline is rarely eaten.
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More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Roundbelly pellonuline?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roundbelly pellonuline is one of 12,519 species in the app.