The Lake Turkana citharine (Citharinus citharus) is a freshwater fish of the family Citharinidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Description
Citharinus citharus, the moonfish, is an African fish of the family Citharinidae from large rivers and lakes of the Sahel region and Northeast Africa. The species has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a small head and reaches about 58 cm. It lives in schools in large, slow-flowing rivers and shoreline zones of lakes. As a mainly plant-eating and fine-filtering species it feeds on phytoplankton, algae and detritus filtered from the water and the bottom. Owing to its size and abundance the species is important for fisheries in the Sudan region and is regularly eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lake Turkana citharine?
The Lake Turkana citharine has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Lake Turkana citharine live?
The Lake Turkana citharine lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Lake Turkana citharine get?
The Lake Turkana citharine grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.
Is the Lake Turkana citharine dangerous to humans?
No, the Lake Turkana citharine is harmless to humans.
Is the Lake Turkana citharine edible?
Yes, the Lake Turkana citharine is commonly eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Citharinus
More from the family Citharinidae
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