Alestes

The Alestes genus belongs to the Alestidae family, often referred to as the "African Characidae" because these fish are exclusively found in Africa. This family was previously classified under Characidae. Interestingly, the genus Myletes is a synonym for Alestes, though it has also historically been used for some South American fish.

In the Lake Chad basin, Alestes and Hydrocynus fish, collectively known as salanga, are often lightly smoked and dried to preserve them.

There are seven recognized species within the Alestes genus:

1. Alestes ansorgii

2. Alestes baremoze (commonly known as Silversides)

3. Alestes dentex (known as Characin)

4. Alestes inferus

5. Alestes liebrechtsii

6. Alestes macrophthalmus (also called Torpedo robber)

7. Alestes stuhlmannii

Over time, several species initially classified under Alestes have been reclassified as synonyms for various Brycinus species. These include:

- Alestes bouboni Roman, 1973

- Alestes chaperi Sauvage, 1882

- Alestes longipinnis (Günther, 1864)

- Alestes luteus Roman, 1966

- Alestes macrolepiditus (Valenciennes, 1850)

- Alestes macrolepidotus (Valenciennes, 1850)

- Alestes rutilus Boulenger, 1916

These reclassifications enhance the understanding and study of these fascinating fish species.