Bryconaethiops microstoma Günther, 1873
Bryconaethiops microstoma
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Alestidae (African tetras)
Max. size:  17.24 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7.5; dH range: 8 - 18,
Distribution:  Africa: Ogowe (Ref. 5331, 80290), Nyong, Lobé, Ntem, Kouilou basins and in Nkomi lagoon (Ref. 80290). Also in the lower, middle (Ref. 80290) and upper (Ref. 5331) Congo and the Malagarasi (Ref. 54847). Reports from Lake Kivu (Ref. 5331, 80290) are based on an erroneous locality interpretation whereby the Kivu Province was mistaken for Lake Kivu (Ref. 46152).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-23. Diagnosis: 6.5-7.5 scales in transverse row between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; 12 scales around caudal peduncle (Ref. 74421, 80290); 35-40 (Ref. 80290) or 34-41 (Ref. 74421) lateral line scales. Eye diameter/head length 26-40% (Ref. 80290) or 31.4-43.8 (Ref. 74421). 15-20 (Ref. 80290) or 17-19 (Ref. 74421) anal fin branched rays. Description: body rather robust; dorsal fin placed distinctly in front of pelvic fin insertion (Ref. 80290). Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 8 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 17-19 branched rays (Ref. 74421). 11-19 (Ref. 80290) or 15-21 (Ref. 74421) gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; 14-15 (Ref. 80290) or 12-18 (Ref. 74421) on upper. Coloration: ground color silvery; dorsum dark green, belly lighter and whitish; fins whitish and unpigmented (Ref. 80290).
Biology:  Affinities: similar to B. macrops but with a higher number of scales around caudal peduncle and a smaller eye (Ref. 80290).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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