Fin's Fish Guide
The African sicklefish (Drepane africana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Drepaneidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The African sicklefish is a deep, disc-shaped fish of the family Drepaneidae (sicklefishes) reaching about 45 cm. The strongly compressed, silvery body bears several faint dark cross-bands and stands out for its very large, sickle-shaped pectoral fins - hence the name. The small mouth can be protruded downward to suck prey from the bottom. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. With its tasty flesh it is a valued commercial fish for the coastal fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African sicklefish?
The African sicklefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, disc-shaped silvery fish with a few dark vertical bars and very large, sickle-shaped pectoral fins; the mouth protrudes downwards.
Where does the African sicklefish live?
The African sicklefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the African sicklefish get?
The African sicklefish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the African sicklefish dangerous to humans?
No, the African sicklefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African sicklefish edible?
Yes, the African sicklefish is a highly prized food fish.
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Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Drepane
More from the family Drepaneidae
Want the complete picture on the African sicklefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African sicklefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.