Labeobarbus surkis (Rüppell, 1835)
photo by Nagelkerke, L.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Torinae
Max. size:  43 cm FL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Lake Tana, Ethiopia (Ref. 35835, 128753). Also Didessa River in Ethiopia, but occurrences outside Lake Tana would suggest dispersion (Ref. 35835).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Head width less than 1.8 times in head length; head length more than 1.3 times in body depth; body depth less than 3.6 times in standard length; eye diameter more than 1.3 times in interorbital width; dark green; often with an extended, soft abdomen.
Biology:  Occurs over muddy, sandy and rocky substrates all over the lake, preferably in water of no more than 3 m depth. Is a real macrophytivore: specimens smaller than 15 cm feed mainly on zooplankton and insect larvae; macrophytes increase in importance with size and finally make up most of the diet (Ref. 35835).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 01 April 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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