True big-scale tetra
📖 Overview
More common in rivers than lakes; feeds on insects, crustaceans, fish, vegetation and debris . Considering the distribution of different forms (according to collection determinations), it should be noted that a B. macrolepidotus 'form' is found only in northern regions, while a B. schoutedi 'form' is found only in southern regions. However, between these two forms there appears to be mixing and intermediacy of forms. We consider that there are several populations which have evolved in a geographical gradient to produce different morphotypes of a single species .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 19. Diagnosis: fronto-parietal fontanel absent in adults, sometimes pore-like in juveniles; snout long, comprimised 3x in head length; dorsal fin origin distinctly behind pelvic fin insertion; adults large-sized; no sexual dimorphism affecting anal fin shape; 21-31 lateral line scales; 4.5 scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; 10-16 anal fin branched rays; 14-22 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; 8-14 teeth in outer premaxillary row . Head length/snout length 2.6-2.9; 10-12 predorsal scales . Body depth more than 3x SL in adults . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for True big-scale tetra is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for True big-scale tetra is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; pelagic; potamodromous . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C distributed in the Congo River basin (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
insects, crustaceans, fish, vegetation and debris (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"True big-scale tetra is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for True big-scale tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for True big-scale tetra has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alestes macrolepiditus | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Alestes macrolepidotus | Valenciennes | 1850 | Synonym |
| Alestes rutilus | Boulenger | 1916 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 348 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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