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Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) — Kneriidae

Stappers' shellear

Kneria stappersii
Family: Kneriidae
LC · Least Concern

The Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) is a freshwater fish of the family Kneriidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to the Lubumbashi River, a tributary of the Luapula in the upper Congo basin, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Kneria stappersii is a very small bottom fish (family Kneriidae) known only from the Lubumbashi River, a tributary of the Luapula in the upper Congo basin, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has an elongate, brownish body. It lives near the bottom in flowing fresh water, probably in fast-flowing, rocky stretches like related shellears. Its diet probably consists of algae, detritus and small invertebrates. Owing to its very restricted range the species is little studied. It is harmless to humans and of no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Stappers' shellear?

The Stappers' shellear has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very small shellear known only from a single river in the upper Congo region.

Where does the Stappers' shellear live?

The Stappers' shellear lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to the Lubumbashi River, a tributary of the Luapula in the upper Congo basin, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How big does the Stappers' shellear get?

The Stappers' shellear grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Stappers' shellear dangerous to humans?

No, the Stappers' shellear is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Stappers' shellear edible?

The Stappers' shellear is not usually eaten.

More photos

Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) — Kneriidae — 2
R. Bills (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) — Kneriidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Joshua Rains, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) — Kneriidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Stappers' shellear (Kneria stappersii) — Kneriidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Stappers' shellear sourced
Scientific name
Kneria stappersii
Family
Kneriidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
4.8 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Endemic to the Lubumbashi River, a tributary of the Luapula in the upper Congo basin, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, detritus and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Very small shellear known only from a single river in the upper Congo region. sourced

For anglers

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

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

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