Fin's Fish Guide
The Ubangi minnow (Opsaridium ubangiense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and streams.
Description
The Ubangi minnow is a slender, silvery cyprinid relative of the family Danionidae reaching about 12 cm. The streamlined body bears a row of dark spots along the flank and has a terminal mouth. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in active schools in clear, flowing rivers and streams. Just below the surface and in the water column it hunts insects and small invertebrates, including insects that fall on the water. In the rainy season it spawns on gravel bars in riffles. Because of its small size it has little fishery value, but it is an important prey fish and an active inhabitant of clear flowing water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ubangi minnow?
The Ubangi minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, silvery small cyprinid with a row of dark blotches along the flank; an active schooling fish of flowing water.
Where does the Ubangi minnow live?
The Ubangi minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in clear, flowing rivers and streams.
How big does the Ubangi minnow get?
The Ubangi minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Ubangi minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Ubangi minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ubangi minnow edible?
The Ubangi minnow is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opsaridium
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Ubangi minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ubangi minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.