Microthrissa congica (Regan, 1917)
Bigscale pellonuline
Microthrissa congica
photo by FAO

Family:  Dorosomatidae (Gizzard shads and sardinellas)
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: widely distributed in the Congo River basin (Ref. 28136, 47399), from the Lower Congo River near its estuary up to the Upper Lualaba River, but excluding the Luapula-Mweru (Ref. 188).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-22; Vertebrae: 42-45. Diagnosis: Body slender, its depth about 20-24% of standard length; scutes strongly keeled, beginning under pectoral fin base, with 10-15 pre-pelvic and 8-11 post-pelvic scutes; snout rather blunt or acute; lower jaw not or slightly projecting, included in upper when mouth closed, with small teeth limited to anterior part; pre-maxillae with a single row of 24-42 small conical teeth directed inwards; maxilla slender, its blade more than 3 times as long as deep, upper edge quite strongly ridged; posterior supra-maxilla slender, spatulate, with distinct anterior shaft, shaft longer than blade; lower gillrakers 17-24 (Ref. 188, 47399). Also characterized by 26-35 scales in a longitudinal series and anal fin with 18-22 rays (Ref. 47399). It differs from Microthrissa moeruensis in having a distinctly blunter snout and less scales in longitudinal series (Ref. 188, 47399). Description: Jaws equal anteriorly; maxillary extending to vertical from anterior edge of eye; pre-maxillary with 24-42 conical teeth; maxillary teeth quite distinct, 13-36; lower jaw with small teeth limited to anterior part (Ref. 188, 2263, 47399). Lower gillrakers on anterior arch 17-24 (Ref. 188, 47399, 93833). Dorsal fin base slightly behind origin of pelvic fins; pectoral fins not reaching pelvic fins; dorsal fin with 13-15 rays; anal fin with 18-22 rays; pectoral fin with 11-13 rays; pelvic fin with 8 rays (Ref. 47399). Cycloid scales; 26-35 scales in longitudinal series; 8 scales in transverse series (Ref. 2263, 47399). Scutes strongly keeled, beginning under pectoral fin base, with 10-15 pre-pelvic and 8-11 post-pelvic scutes; first 1-4 scutes without lateral arms (Ref. 188, 28136, 47399). Number of vertebrae 42-45; with 21-24 abdominal vertebrae and 19-22 caudal vertebrae (Ref. 47399). Colouration: General colouration of preserved specimens yellow greyish colour with crystalline contour, ventral region and middle of flanks lighter coloured; tip of snout and occiput are pigmented with melanophores, as well as middle of the flanks (Ref. 47399). Lateral band narrow, present only on posterior half of fish (Ref. 2263).
Biology:  Found in rivers and lakes, apparently in both still and running water; seems to occur in rather acid waters (Ref. 188).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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