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Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae

Small African darter

Nannocharax parvus
LC · Least Concern

The Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Nannocharax parvus is a very small, bottom-dwelling characiform (family Distichodontidae) of West and Central Africa. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with dark bars, resting among stones and sand on the bottom, similar to the North American darters. Its diet consists of small bottom invertebrates and insect larvae. The species lives in small groups in flowing waters. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Small African darter?

The Small African darter has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, bottom-dwelling darter-like characin that rests among stones and sand.

Where does the Small African darter live?

The Small African darter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers.

How big does the Small African darter get?

The Small African darter grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Small African darter dangerous to humans?

No, the Small African darter is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Small African darter edible?

The Small African darter is not usually eaten.

More photos

Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) joe_cutler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) joe_cutler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Small African darter (Nannocharax parvus) — Distichodontidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Small African darter sourced
Scientific name
Nannocharax parvus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
West and Central Africa, on the bottom of streams and rivers.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Small, bottom-dwelling darter-like characin that rests among stones and sand. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. 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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