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Luapula darter tetra (Nannocharax luapulae) — Distichodontidae

Luapula darter tetra

Nannocharax luapulae
LC · Least Concern

The Luapula darter tetra (Nannocharax luapulae) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Luapula darter tetra is a small, elongate bottom fish of the family Distichodontidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa, including the Luapula system. The species grows to only about 5 cm and has a slender body, usually with dark markings that provide camouflage among vegetation and bottom material. With its downward-facing mouth it picks aufwuchs, periphyton and tiny invertebrates from stems, roots and substrate in clear, flowing waters. It is a peaceful bottom dweller that stays in small groups. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Luapula darter tetra?

The Luapula darter tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Luapula darter tetra live?

The Luapula darter tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Luapula darter tetra get?

The Luapula darter tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Luapula darter tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Luapula darter tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Luapula darter tetra edible?

The Luapula darter tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Luapula-bodemzalm sourced
English name
Luapula darter tetra sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax luapulae
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No 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 Nannocharax

More from the family Distichodontidae

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