Micralestes vittatus (Boulenger, 1917)

Family:  Alestidae (African tetras)
Max. size:  9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater,
Distribution:  Africa: endemic to Lake Tanganyika, present in Lufuko River at Mpala (Ref. 42032, 94006) and in Lukuga River outflow (Ref. 97302).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-18. Body height 3.35-3.6 times in standard length (Ref. 42032). Head length 3.95-4.1 times in standard length (Ref. 42032). Cuspid number: on external row of upper jaw 3-5, on internal row of upper jaw 5-8, on external row of lower jaw 5-7, on internal row of lower jaw 1 (Ref. 42032). Black mediolateral band starting behind the operculum and quickly enlarging towards the back, ending at the origin of the caudal fin (Ref. 42032). Mediolateral band silvery in live specimens (Ref. 42032). Fins without black spot (Ref. 42032).
Biology:  Inhabits rivers and lagoons (Ref. 4967). Water beetles, insect remains, pieces of weed, algae, sand grains and debris found in stomach (Ref. 36899).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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