African leaffish

📖 Overview

African leaffish (Polycentropsis abbreviata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Polycentridae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.7 cm. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 9 - 12; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 23. Diagnosis: 6-7 scale rows on cheeks; lateral line incomplete; caudal peduncle very short; caudal fin truncate . Usually a pored lateral line is lacking, but if present, only 4-6 scales of dorsally curving series pored; 16 principal caudal rays with 1 procurrent ray on each lobe; 1st pelvic ray with anterior and posterior branches projecting a little beyond fin membrane; caudal peduncle conspicuously short; 10 abdominal and 13 caudal vertebrae; 3 predorsal bones (supraneurals) in front of 1st dorsal pterygiophore . Coloration: dull brown; head and sides with irregular dark brown/black spots sometimes forming a marbled pattern. Dark band from anterior base of dorsal fin through eye to snout tip; second dark band from ventrocaudal margin of eye ventrocaudally over cheek to ventral side of body anterior to pelvic fin base; distal parts of soft dorsal and anal fin, caudal and pectoral fins transparent; pelvics and spinous part and base of soft dorsal and anal fins brown . Fins seeming rayless when viewed form certain angles . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for African leaffish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for African leaffish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for African leaffish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 10 - ?. Tropical; 26°C - 30°C West Africa from the eastern side of the Ouémé (Benin) to the Cross River (Nigeria), including the lower course and delta of the Niger River (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 39 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute