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Sardine robber (Micralestes sardina) — Alestidae

Sardine robber

Micralestes sardina
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sardine robber (Micralestes sardina) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Micralestes sardina is a small African characin (family Alestidae) of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species reaches about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body reminiscent of a small sardine. It lives pelagically in schools in rivers and open water and feeds on small invertebrates and insects. Because of its small size the species is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sardine robber?

The Sardine robber has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Sardine robber live?

The Sardine robber lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Sardine robber get?

The Sardine robber grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Sardine robber dangerous to humans?

No, the Sardine robber is harmless to humans.

Is the Sardine robber edible?

The Sardine robber is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sardine-tetra sourced
English name
Sardine robber sourced
Scientific name
Micralestes sardina
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Micralestes

More from the family Alestidae

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