Arnoldichthys spilopterus


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

Description and ecology

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

Conservation

This species is currently classified as endangerd by the IUCN due to its limited range coupled with losses to the aquarium trade and ongoing habitat degradation.