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Sanaga cyprinid (Sanagia velifera) — Cyprinidae

Sanaga cyprinid

Sanagia velifera
Family: Cyprinidae
NT · Near Threatened

The Sanaga cyprinid (Sanagia velifera) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa (Lower Guinea); rivers and streams.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Sanaga cyprinid is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from Central Africa (Lower Guinea). The species has an elongate body and a fairly high dorsal fin. It inhabits rivers and streams of the Sanaga system, often near the bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, growth, detritus and small invertebrates. Owing to its limited range the species is considered near threatened. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sanaga cyprinid?

The Sanaga cyprinid has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Fairly tall dorsal fin; cyprinid of the Sanaga system in Cameroon, near threatened owing to its limited range.

Where does the Sanaga cyprinid live?

The Sanaga cyprinid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa (Lower Guinea); rivers and streams.

How big does the Sanaga cyprinid get?

The Sanaga cyprinid grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Sanaga cyprinid dangerous to humans?

No, the Sanaga cyprinid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Sanaga cyprinid edible?

The Sanaga cyprinid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sanaga cyprinid sourced
Scientific name
Sanagia velifera
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.8 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa (Lower Guinea); rivers and streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm, detritus and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Fairly tall dorsal fin; cyprinid of the Sanaga system in Cameroon, near threatened owing to its limited range. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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