Arnoldichthys

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Arnoldichthys
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Alestidae
Genus: Arnoldichthys
G. S. Myers, 1926
Species:
A. spilopterus
Binomial name
Arnoldichthys spilopterus
(Boulenger, 1909)
Synonyms

Arnoldichthys spilopterus, the Niger tetra, is a characin endemic to Nigeria. It is the only member of its genus.

Description and ecology[edit]

Arnoldichthys spilopterus is a tropical freshwater species found only in a limited number of locations in Nigeria (Ogun and Niger rivers).[1] Males are on average 9.6 centimetres (3.8 in) long. Its diet consists of worms, insects, and crustaceans. Females in captivity can lay about 1,000 eggs, which hatch within 30–34 hours.[2]

Conservation[edit]

This species 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[edit]

  1. ^ a b c 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.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2015). "Arnoldichthys spilopterus" in FishBase. 9 2015 version.