manualin

Manualin is a small benthic fish species belonging to the family Poeciliidae. The scientific name is *Manualin litoralis*. It is found only in the lowland streams and estuaries of the Gambia and Senegal rivers in West Africa. The fish reaches a maximum length of about 6 centimetres and has a slender, compressed body with a silvery flank and a distinctive dark stripe that runs from the eye to the tail. The dorsal fin is small and rounded, and the caudal fin is forked.

Manualin occupies shallow waters with dense vegetation and is a demersal species that feeds on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. It is oviparous and exhibits maternal care, carrying juveniles on its back during the first weeks of development. The species is not currently listed as endangered but is considered of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its broad but localised distribution.

Human interest in manualin is limited to local fisheries that use it as a food source. The species also has potential for aquarium trade due to its adaptability to small freshwater tanks. Research on *Manualin* remains sparse and has largely focused on its taxonomy and reproductive biology.