Sierra leone dwarf characin
📖 Overview
Sierra leone dwarf characin (Ladigesia roloffi), first described by Géry, 1968 is a tiny fish in the family Alestidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 3.10 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Critically Endangered.The species is important as a food fish and a species of conservation concern. As a member of the Alestidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 17. Diagnosis: small, elongate fish with incomplete lateral line; scaleless dorsal part (of about at least 3 scale rows wide on both sides) from behind the opercle to the adipose fin; parietal fontanella open . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sierra leone dwarf characin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 10. Tropical; 22°C - 26°C west of Jong) in Sierra Leone (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sierra leone dwarf characin 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 Sierra leone dwarf characin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sierra leone dwarf characin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Jelly Bean Tetra · Sierra Leone dwarf characin |
| 🌍CES | afrotetra Roloffova |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Roloffs tetra |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Tetra-jujuba |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Ладигезия Ролоффа |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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