Fin's Fish Guide
The Western micralestes (Micralestes occidentalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
Micralestes occidentalis is a small African characin (family Alestidae) of West Africa. The species reaches about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body. It lives pelagically in schools in rivers and streams of both forest and savanna zones and feeds on small invertebrates and insects. Forest and savanna forms differ in how blackened the tip of the dorsal fin is, which may indicate more than one form or species. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Western micralestes?
The Western micralestes has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small African tetra; forest and savannah forms differ in the black colouring of the dorsal fin tip.
Where does the Western micralestes live?
The Western micralestes lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West Africa, in rivers and streams of forest and savanna zones.
How big does the Western micralestes get?
The Western micralestes grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Western micralestes dangerous to humans?
No, the Western micralestes is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Western micralestes edible?
The Western micralestes is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Micralestes
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the Western micralestes?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Western micralestes is one of 12,519 species in the app.