Dwarf Citharine

Description: scales ctenoid; lateral line incomplete, limited to 8 or 9 scales behind head; body slender; fins short; mouth terminal; 10 slender bicuspid teeth in upper and lower jaws; dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 10-11 branched rays (Ref. 52193). Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays (Ref. 11970, 52193). Coloration: translucent, light olive, silvery below; 12—16 irregular bars and a prominent dark “eye” spot at base of caudal fin; caudal fin with 2 or 3 bands; pelvic and anal fins sooty; males darken in breeding dress (Ref. 52913).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0

Inhabits clear, quiet, well-vegetated habitats; common on floodplains and in the Okavango Delta. Frequency of occurence in Caprivi: occasionally in sandy streams, common in shallow swamps, and common in shallow flood plains (Ref. 037065). Feeds by picking periphyton and tiny invertebrates from the stems and leaves of water plants.

Inhabits clear, quiet, well-vegetated habitats; common on floodplains and in the Okavango Delta; feeds by picking periphyton and tiny invertebrates from the stems and leaves of water plants; breeds in summer (Ref. 7248, 52193). Attractive and peaceful in aquariums (Ref. 52193).

fisheries: ; aquarium: commercial