Fin's Fish Guide
The Spined sardine minnow (Mesobola spinifer) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The Spined sardine minnow is a small cyprinid (Danionidae) from clear streams, rivers and lakes of East Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, laterally compressed, silvery body sometimes with a fine dark longitudinal stripe. As a lively, social schooling fish it swims in the upper and middle layer and snaps at insects, larvae, small zooplankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spined sardine minnow?
The Spined sardine minnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small, slender African schooling fish of the open water layer.
Where does the Spined sardine minnow live?
The Spined sardine minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Freshwater of East Africa.
How big does the Spined sardine minnow get?
The Spined sardine minnow grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Spined sardine minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Spined sardine minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spined sardine minnow edible?
The Spined sardine minnow is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mesobola
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Spined sardine minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spined sardine minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.