Micropanchax bracheti (Berkenkamp, 1983)

Family:  Procatopodidae (African lampeyes), subfamily: Procatopodinae
Max. size:  4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 4 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, non-migratory
Distribution:  Africa: savannah of northern Togo (Ref. 57259).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-14. Diagnosis: Small and slender ‘Lampeye’ species with rounded fins and low sexual dimorphism; dorsal fin with 6-9 rays, anal fin with 11-14 rays, displacement between dorsal and anal fins 1/8-11; scales on mid-lateral series 27-29 (+3) (Ref. 57259). Colouration: Male colouration: overall body colour is pale yellow-grey to silver; the scales have narrow dark grey borders, producing a reticulated appearance; the lower lip is also dark grey; the opercle and sides show a distinct light blue iridescence; immediately behind the origin of the pectoral fins there is a vertically orientated oblong grey patch; the unpaired fins are pale yellow, becoming darker distally and ending in a dark grey to almost black margin; the caudal fin has some small dark grey spots, arranged in crescent-shaped crossbars (Ref. 57259). Female colouration: the body is an overall pale yellow-grey, with a silver iridescence on the frontal parts of the sides and the abdomen; the scales have faint dark grey borders, producing a weak reticulation; all fins are colourless (Ref. 57259). Both sexes show a silver reflection and a light blue spot in the upper part of the iris (Ref. 57259).
Biology:  Found in small savannah streams (Ref. 57259). Not a seasonal killifish. Is very difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 06 June 2019 (B2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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