Fin's Fish Guide
The Steindachner's minnow (Raiamas steindachneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
Steindachner's minnow is a small African cyprinid from West Africa. The species grows to about 12.5 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a large mouth, built for fast swimming, and often a row of dark blotches on the flank. It lives in schools in open, flowing water of rivers and creeks. As a small predator it hunts insects, small invertebrates and small fishes in the upper water layers. With its fast swimming style it hunts actively in open water. As a small fish it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Steindachner's minnow?
The Steindachner's minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, fast predatory carp with a large mouth; hunts actively in the upper water layers.
Where does the Steindachner's minnow live?
The Steindachner's minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa; open, flowing water of rivers and creeks.
How big does the Steindachner's minnow get?
The Steindachner's minnow grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Steindachner's minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Steindachner's minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Steindachner's minnow edible?
The Steindachner's minnow is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Raiamas
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Steindachner's minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Steindachner's minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.