Nigerian fangtooth pellonuline
📖 Overview
Found in rivers and streams, also in the man-made Lake Volta, but only in the most riverine parts . It feeds on small fishes, including its own juveniles, and aquatic insects . Possibly migrates upstream to breed . It enters artisanal fisheries, but catches are small .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 21; Vertebrae: 42 - 44. Diagnosis: Body moderate, sometimes deep, its depth 25% of standard length or more; 13-18 pre-pelvic and 8-10 post-pelvic scutes, 1-2 scutes before pectoral fin origin, first pre-pectoral scute as long as, or smaller than, following scutes without ascending arms; lower jaw strongly projecting, with strong canine teeth at symphysis; pre-maxilla with 2-4 strong backward-pointing canine teeth on each side behind outer row of pre-maxillary teeth; lower gillrakers 16-19, shorter than corresponding gill filaments; anal fin with 18-21 rays; silver stripe along flank . It resembles Odaxothrissa ansorgii, which has more gillrakers, 22-33 vs. 16-19; and Pellonula vorax, which lacks canine teeth in the upper jaw and has longer gillrakers, equal in length to gill filaments vs. shorter . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Nigerian fangtooth pellonuline is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Nigerian fangtooth pellonuline is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Nigerian fangtooth pellonuline is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; potamodromous . Tropical; 13°N - 2°S
🌿 Ecology
small fishes, including its own juveniles, and aquatic insects (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cynothrissa mento | Regan | 1917 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 20 records indexed .
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