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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Slender robber

Rhabdalestes rhodesiensis Bertram, 1943
Max Length
5.7 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.1
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
pelagic

📖 Overview

Slender robber (Rhabdalestes rhodesiensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Alestidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 5.7 cm. With a trophic level of 3.1, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Rhabdalestes rhodesiensis
Authority
Bertram, 1943
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
5.7 cm
Trophic Level
3.1
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Anal soft rays: 16 - 19. : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Slender robber is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Slender robber is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Slender robber is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🐟 Pelagic
Trophic Level
3.1±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01072 × L3.02 (TL)
Max TL
5.7cm
Dorsal Spines
2
Dorsal Rays
8
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
18

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.1
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Bertram, 1943

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Slender robber is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Slender robber is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Slender robber has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English Slender Robber
🌍CES afrotetra zambijská
🇷🇺Russian Родезийская тетра

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Hemigrammopetersius rhodesiensis Ricardo-Bertram 1943 Synonym
Micralestes tangensis rhodesiensis Ricardo-Bertram 1943 Synonym
Petersius rhodensiensis Ricardo-Bertram 1943 Synonym
Petersius rhodesiensis Ricardo-Bertram 1943 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 31 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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