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Slender neolebias (Neolebias gracilis) — Distichodontidae

Slender neolebias

Neolebias gracilis

The Slender neolebias (Neolebias gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp

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Description

The Slender neolebias is an African darter tetra (Distichodontidae) from slow-flowing streams, swamps and forest pools of western Central Africa. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, often red-brown to olive body with a dark lengthwise stripe. As a social fish it stays in small groups among water plants and snaps at small plankton, insect larvae and plant matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender neolebias?

The Slender neolebias has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Slender neolebias live?

The Slender neolebias lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Slender neolebias get?

The Slender neolebias grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Slender neolebias dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender neolebias 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender neolebias sourced
Scientific name
Neolebias gracilis
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Neolebias

More from the family Distichodontidae

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