Dungu sprat (Microthrissa minuta)

Scientific name: Microthrissa minuta Poll, 1974

Dungu sprat (Microthrissa minuta)

The Dungu sprat (Microthrissa minuta) is a freshwater fish of the family Clupeidae. Native range: Africa, Upper Congo system in Dungu River and its tributary, the Garamba River; also Lower Congo.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 21. Body moderately deep; scutes (19 or 20 total) strongly keeled, 1 or 2 before base of first pectoral fin ray. Snout pointed; lower jaw not projecting, included in upper when mouth closed, with small teeth at symphysis; maxilla slender (blade more than 3 times as long as deep), upper edge with a ridge flared outward; second supra-maxilla small, shaft as long as spatulate blade.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Microthrissa minuta
Family
Clupeidae (Herrings, shads and sardines)
Order
Clupeiformes (Herrings)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
3.5
Environment
Freshwater; pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Upper Congo system in Dungu River and its tributary, the Garamba River; also Lower Congo.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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