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Size
5.9-9.8 inches (15-25 cm) -
Diet
Fish, shrimp, zooplankton -
Range
Eastern Atlantic along the west African coast -
Habitat
Brackish, marine and freshwater mixtures
Physical Characteristics
- Coloration ranges from silver to gray, with four gray or black lines extending vertically down the body:
- one through the eye along the face
- one through the gill slits
- one starting at the tip of the dorsal fin and extending down the back half of the body
- one extending through the caudal peduncle
- Common length is 5.9-9.8 inches (15-25 cm).
- Body shape is diamond-like, with an extended distance between spine and belly that gives this species a square-like look.
- Pelvic fins are present on juvenile but nearly or fully absent in adults.
Animal Fact
The African moony's body shape is diamond-like, with an extended distance between spine and belly that gives this species a square-like look.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of fish, shrimp and zooplankton.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Eastern Atlantic along the West African coast, from Cape Verde to Angola..
- Found in brackish, marine and fresh water mixtures, commonly in estuaries, lagoons and marshes.
- Can also be found farther into bodies of fresh water and in shallow bay or harbor areas of the sea.
Reproduction & Growth
- Females lay 15,000 or more eggs that hatch after 24 hours.
- Males and females form distinct pairs for mating.
- Reproduction usually takes place in estuaries or lagoons, despite the wide variety of habitats for the African moony.
Conservation Status
- “Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.
