Arnoldichthys
| Arnoldichthys | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Lepidarchidae |
| Genus: | Arnoldichthys Myers, 1926 |
| Species: | A. spilopterus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Arnoldichthys spilopterus (Boulenger, 1909)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Arnoldichthys is monospecific genus of freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Lepidarchidae. The only species in the genus is Arnoldichthys spilopterus, the Niger tetra.
Description and ecology
The Niger tetra is a tropical freshwater species found only in a limited number of locations in Nigeria.[1] Despite the word "Niger" in its common name, it is not found in Niger. This is not a misnomer, however, since here this word refers to the Niger River, and the Niger tetra is indeed present in that river, in addition to the Ogun River.[1]
Biology
Males are on average 9.6 cm (3.8 in) long. The diet consists of worms, insects, and, crustaceans. Females in captivity can lay about 1,000 eggs, which hatch within 30–34 hours.[2]
Conservation
The Niger tetra is currently classified as endangered by the IUCN due to its limited range coupled with losses to the aquarium trade and ongoing habitat degradation.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Olaosebikan, B.D. & Lalèyè, P. (2020). "Arnoldichthys spilopterus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020 e.T182186A134739812. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T182186A134739812.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Arnoldichthys spilopterus". FishBase. September 2015 version.