Micralestes elongatus (Tapered African tetra)

Elongatus Micral Pisces belongs to the Cichlidae family. It is a fish from rivers and lakes from East Africa. It measures on average 3 centimeters long and has an elongated and laterally compressed body. Its color varies from blue to gray via green, with dark spots spread over the whole body.

The Elongatus micralestes has a protractile mouth located at the lower end of its head, which allows it to easily capture its prey. Its teeth are small and pointed, suitable for catching and holding insects, crustaceans and small fish.

The Elongatus micrale is a very active and lively fish. It swims quickly thanks to its caudal and pedunculated fins. It can also jump out of the water to catch flying insects.

The Elongatus micrale lives in groups in the shallow and calm waters of rivers and lakes. He digs holes in the sandy background to lay his eggs there, which he then jealously broods. The male takes care of the protection of eggs and fry, while the female hunts potential predators.

The micraleste Elongatus is a fairly common fish in East Africa, but it is threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and by the overexploitation of its populations for commercial fishing. It is therefore important to protect this species to preserve the biodiversity of African rivers and lakes.