Micralestes sardina Poll, 1938

Family:  Alestidae (African tetras)
Max. size:  9.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: middle Congo River and Lualaba River in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 42032), and Mweru-Luapula and Bangweulu-Chambeshi areas (upper Congo River basin) in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 42032) and Zambia (Ref. 95585).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-17. Body height 3.5-3.95 times in standard length (Ref. 42032). Head length 3.75-4.1 times in standard length (Ref. 42032). Cuspid number: on external row of upper jaw 4-5, on internal row of upper jaw 6-7, on external row of lower jaw 4-8, on internal row of lower jaw 1 (Ref. 42032). Black mediolateral band starting behind operculum, quickly enlarging towards the back and ending at the origin of the caudal fin (Ref. 42032). Mediolateral band silvery in live specimens (Ref. 42032). Base of flank scales often blackish, especially the scales of the lateral line (Ref. 42032). Fins without black spot, sometimes greyish (Ref. 42032).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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