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Senegal minnow (Raiamas senegalensis) — Cyprinidae

Senegal minnow

Raiamas senegalensis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Senegal minnow (Raiamas senegalensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
24.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Senegal minnow is a cyprinid relative (Danionidae) from fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a row of dark vertical blotches along the flank and a large, toothed mouth. As a fast open-water predator it hunts insects and small fish in flowing rivers and creeks. It is a local bait and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Senegal minnow?

The Senegal minnow has an elongate, eel-like body.

Where does the Senegal minnow live?

The Senegal minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Senegal minnow get?

The Senegal minnow grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Senegal minnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Senegal minnow is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Senegal-sardijn sourced
English name
Senegal minnow sourced
Scientific name
Raiamas senegalensis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Silver fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Raiamas

More from the family Cyprinidae

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