Fin's Fish Guide
The Smoothbelly pellonuline (Congothrissa gossei) is a freshwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The smoothbelly pellonuline is a minute herring relative from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species reaches only about 4 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body without the sharp belly keel that many related herrings have. It schools in rivers and lakes and filters small zooplankton from the water. It is an important forage fish for larger fish. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smoothbelly pellonuline?
The Smoothbelly pellonuline has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender silvery body without a sharp ventral keel; schooling little freshwater herring
Where does the Smoothbelly pellonuline live?
The Smoothbelly pellonuline lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Congo basin
How big does the Smoothbelly pellonuline get?
The Smoothbelly pellonuline grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Smoothbelly pellonuline dangerous to humans?
No, the Smoothbelly pellonuline 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.
Is the Smoothbelly pellonuline edible?
The Smoothbelly pellonuline is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Smoothbelly pellonuline?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothbelly pellonuline is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Smoothbelly pellonuline?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothbelly pellonuline is one of 12,519 species in the app.