Royal sprat
📖 Overview
Royal sprat (Microthrissa royauxi), first described by Boulenger, 1902 is a small fish in the family Dorosomatidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 9.90 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 Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 22 - 27; Vertebrae: 37 - 41. Diagnosis: Body rather deep, its depth about 30-37% of standard length; scutes strongly keeled, 1 or 3 before base of first pectoral fin ray, 13-16 pre-pelvic and 3-7 post-pelvic scutes; snout fairly pointed; lower jaw not or slightly projecting, included in upper when mouth closed, with small teeth limited to anterior part; pre-maxilla with medial notch and 16-26 small conical teeth directed outwards; 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 or longer than blade; lower gillrakers 14-17 . Also characterized by 34-41 scales in a longitudinal series and anal fin with 22-27 rays . It resembles Microthrissa minuta, which has more lower gillrakers but fewer anal fin rays, 18-22 and 18-21 respectively . It is distinguished from Microthrissa whiteheadi by the presence of a medial notch in pre-maxilla and a lower number of teeth on the pre-maxilla, 16-26 vs. 32-40 . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Royal sprat is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 8°N - 7°N north of the equator (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | royal sprat |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Kongebrisling |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Королевская микротрисса |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 72 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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