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Scarcies minnow (Raiamas scarciensis) — Cyprinidae

Scarcies minnow

Raiamas scarciensis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Scarcies minnow (Raiamas scarciensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Sierra Leone

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Description

The Scarcies minnow is a cyprinid relative (Danionidae) from fresh water of West Africa, in the Scarcies River system. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, silvery, streamlined body with a few dark blotches or crossbars along the flank. As an active swimmer it lives in flowing streams and rivers and hunts insects and their larvae near the surface. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Scarcies minnow?

The Scarcies minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Scarcies minnow live?

The Scarcies minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Sierra Leone

How big does the Scarcies minnow get?

The Scarcies minnow grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Scarcies minnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Scarcies minnow is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Scarcies minnow (Raiamas scarciensis) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Scarcies minnow sourced
Scientific name
Raiamas scarciensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Sierra Leone sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Raiamas

More from the family Cyprinidae

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