Cheilobarbus serra (Peters, 1864)
Sawfin
photo by Cambray, J.A.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  50 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 7,000.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater,
Distribution:  Africa: Clanwilliam Olifants River system, western Cape Province in South Africa (Ref. 7248, 119402).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Favors deep pools and runs of mainstreams, also impounded waters; young occur in smaller tributaries. Breeds in summer, congregating in deep pools below waterfalls and rapids. Feeds on insects and invertebrates as well as algae and detritus mainly off the bottom, leaving characteristic pockets in sand and gravel beds. Decline in population is due to the introduction of bass, increasing habitat destruction and the impendence of large dams (Ref. 7248).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 30 November 2016 (B1b(iii,v)+2b(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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