Dungu sprat
📖 Overview
Dungu sprat (Microthrissa minuta), first described by Poll, 1974 is a tiny fish in the family Dorosomatidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 4.30 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 Vulnerable.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 21; Vertebrae: 40 - 44. Diagnosis: Body moderately deep, its depth about 22-30% of standard length; scutes strongly keeled, 1 or 2 before base of first pectoral fin ray, 11-12 pre-pelvic and 6-8 post-pelvic scutes; snout pointed; lower jaw not or slightly projecting, included in upper when mouth closed, with small teeth limited to anterior part; pre-maxilla with 12-30 small conical teeth directed inwards; maxilla blade slender, more than 3 times as long as deep, upper edge with a ridge flared outward; posterior supra-maxilla small, spatulate, shaft as long as blade; lower gillrakers 18-22 . Also characterized by 37-43 scales in a longitudinal series and anal fin with 18-21 rays . It resembles Microthrissa royauxi, which has fewer gillrakers but more anal fin rays, 14-17 and 23-27 respectively . It is distinguished from Microthrissa whiteheadi by a lower number of teeth on the pre-maxilla, 12-30 vs. 32-40 in M. whiteheadi; and additionally by a higher number of lower gillrakers, 18-22 vs. 14-18, a lower number of anal fin rays, 18-21 vs. 20-25, and a lower number of pre-pelvic scutes, 11-12 vs. 13-16 . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dungu sprat is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 3°N - 7°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Dungu sprat |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Dungu-brisling |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Заирская микротрисса |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 11 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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