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Cypriniformes (Carps) >
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps) > Smiliogastrinae
Etymology: Enteromius: Greek, enteron = intestine + Greek, myo, mys = muscle (Ref. 45335).
Eponymy: This is a toponym referring to Nyanza, a local name for Lake Victoria, where these species are found. (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 18. Tropical; 18°C - 28°C (Ref. 13614)
Africa: Lake Victoria and affluent streams and rivers (Ref. 104796). Also found in Middle Akagera system in Rwanda (Ref. 27628, 46152).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 7.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 27628)
Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal soft rays: 6. Last ray of dorsal fin slightly hardened and less toothed on the posterior side, certainly the distal part (Ref. 27628; [I think the author meant last unbranched ray instead of last ray; Gert Boden, 2001]). Barbels short; anterior barbels not passing the nostrils; posterior barbels just passing the anterior side of the eye (Ref. 27628). Dorsal side brown-silver colored, ventral side silver. A grayish black or black lateral band leaps from the operculum to the caudal fin; dorsal, caudal and anal fins are brown-orange, paired fins are not colored (Ref. 27628).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.
Found in lakes and rivers. In the Lake Victoria system it appears in rivers and lake-side streams during rains, and in dry season along shores of the lake (adults) or in floodwater pools (juveniles) (Ref. 104796). Anadromous (Ref. 104796). Likely to spawn twice a year; floodwater pools appear to be spawning grounds; breeding may also occur among grasses at river edges (Ref. 104796).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Lévêque, C. and J. Daget, 1984. Cyprinidae. p. 217-342. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ORSTOM, Paris and MRAC, Tervuren. Vol. 1. (Ref. 2801)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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