The Spottail minnow (Opsaridium maculicauda) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The Spottail minnow is a cyprinid (Danionidae) from fresh water of rivers of the Lake Malawi basin in East Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a terminal mouth. As a fast, schooling fish it swims in clear, flowing rivers and lakes and hunts insects, larvae and small invertebrates; to spawn it migrates upstream. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spottail minnow?
The Spottail minnow has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Spottail minnow live?
The Spottail minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Spottail minnow get?
The Spottail minnow grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Spottail minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Spottail minnow is harmless to humans.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opsaridium
More from the family Cyprinidae
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