Visit drawings of Opsaridium microlepis
at FishBase (then hit browser's "Back" button to return)
The "Mpasa," Opsaridium microlepis, is a predatory minnow that attains a length of at least 50 cm (20 inches). Adults eat fishes; the food of juveniles includes chironomid pupae and adults, ostracods, aquatic beetles, and terrestrial insects (beetles and ants), according to Worthington (1933).

Jackson (1961) noted, "Juveniles are commonly seen along the shores of the open lake, grabbing plankton and any other animal matter. Caught trolling from boats, prefers a bright silver spinner to one of any other colour. Often caught by African fishermen in the lake by this method; one caught 27 while crossing [Mbampa] Bay, Likoma Island, in his canoe by trailing a spinner behind it."

Last Update: 18 October 1999 Web Author: M. K. Oliver, Ph.D. Copyright © 1997-2008 by M. K. Oliver - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED