Fin's Fish Guide
The Spot-tail robber (Brycinus imberi) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Fresh water of eastern and southern Africa, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
Description
The spot-tail robber is a slender, silvery characin of the family Alestidae (African tetras) reaching about 20 cm. The streamlined body has an adipose fin, as in many characins, and a conspicuous black spot on the tail base that continues as streaks into the tail lobes. The species comes from the fresh water of eastern and southern Africa and lives in schools in rivers, lakes and floodplains. As an omnivore it eats insects, zooplankton, seeds and plant matter, taken both at the surface and in the water column. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish and a much-caught food fish in the region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spot-tail robber?
The Spot-tail robber has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver African characin with an adipose fin and a conspicuous black blotch on the caudal peduncle that continues into the caudal lobes.
Where does the Spot-tail robber live?
The Spot-tail robber lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of eastern and southern Africa, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
How big does the Spot-tail robber get?
The Spot-tail robber grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Spot-tail robber dangerous to humans?
No, the Spot-tail robber is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spot-tail robber edible?
Yes, the Spot-tail robber is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Brycinus
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Spot-tail robber?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spot-tail robber is one of 12,519 species in the app.