| Family: |
Alestidae (African tetras) |
| Max. size: |
3.3 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: endemic to Lake Turkana (Ref. 53378, 52331). |
| Diagnosis: |
It has a shorter snout compared to Alestes nurse, a slightly larger eye and narrower interorbital space (Ref. 53378). The mouth of this species is noticeably superior and subterminal, with a predominance of unicuspid outer maxillary teeth (Ref. 53378). |
| Biology: |
A pelagic species, usually occurring with A. ferox, widespread throughout the open waters of Lake Turkana; situated in midwater scattering layer during daylight hours; disperses through surface waters after dark; feeds chiefly on zooplankton with occasional small insects; spawns within the lake; matures at exceptionally small size for an Alestes (Ref. 53378). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 05 July 2022 (B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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