Lacustricola katangae (Boulenger, 1912)
Striped topminnow
Lacustricola katangae
photo by Mertens, P.

Family:  Procatopodidae (African lampeyes), subfamily: Procatopodinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.19999980926514, non-migratory
Distribution:  Africa: widely distributed in southern Africa (Ref. 47311). Found in rivers and lakes of the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia (Ref. 3788, 47311).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-15. Description: Moderately deep bodied (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 8-10 rays; anal fin with 14-15 rays (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral series 25-28 (Ref. 52193).

Clouration: Distinctive zigzag black band along body; abdomen and lower head white, iris, upper gill cover and scattered midbody scales iridescent blue-turquoise, fins clear or light yellow (Ref. 52193).

Biology:  It is found in schools mainly in the shallow and vegetated part of small rivers, brooks and swamps, and in the shallow parts of lakes (Ref. 47311). Uncommon in floodplains (Ref. 52193). It feeds on insect larvae, daphnia and other small invertebrates (Ref. 52193). Typical serial spawner, laying eggs on vegetation (Ref. 52193). Useful as a mosquito control agent (Ref. 7248). Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium (Ref. 27139).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 December 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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