Fin's Fish Guide
The West African pygmy herring (Sierrathrissa leonensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The West African pygmy herring is a very small freshwater herring (family Clupeidae) of West Africa. The species reaches only about 3.5 cm and has a slender, translucent silvery body. It is a riverine species that also lives in man-made lakes and occurs in schools in open water at a few metres depth; at night it rises near the surface. Its diet consists of zooplankton. Despite its small size the species is caught locally in large numbers and is of some commercial value. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African pygmy herring?
The West African pygmy herring has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small freshwater herring that lives in shoals in open water and rises to the surface at night.
Where does the West African pygmy herring live?
The West African pygmy herring lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West Africa, in rivers and reservoirs, shoaling in open water.
How big does the West African pygmy herring get?
The West African pygmy herring grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 2 cm.
Is the West African pygmy herring dangerous to humans?
No, the West African pygmy herring is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African pygmy herring edible?
The West African pygmy herring is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the West African pygmy herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African pygmy herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.