| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae |
| Max. size: |
25 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 900.0 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; depth range 30 - 30 m, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa: within the drainage basins of the Zambezi, Limpopo, Incomati and Usutu-Pongolo Rivers. In the Congo Basin, its distribution is limited to the middle and upper regions (Ref. 26192). Also known from East African rivers and the region of the Cap; south through the Zambezi system (Ref. 7248) and in the Coroca and Cuanza rivers in Angola (Ref. 11970). |
| Diagnosis: |
Vertebrae: 29-31. Lips plicate; dorsal fin concave with 9 to 10 branched rays; eyes in superolateral position; genital orifice very far from origin of anal fin; body cylindrical, slightly elongated; snout truncate with deep transverse furrow and fleshy appendix directed upwards (Ref. 26192). Dark lateral band present in young fish only. |
| Biology: |
Shoaling species (Ref. 94784). Occurs in both sediment-free and sediment-rich rocky biotopes; favors clear, running waters in rocky habitats of small and large rivers, also found in lakes and dams over rocky areas; feeds on diatoms and other small algae from the rocks (Ref. 5595). Also feeds on `aufwuchs' from the surface of rocks, tree trunks and other firm surfaces; migrates upstream in masses to breed, using the mouth & broad pectorals to climb damp surfaces of barrier rocks & weirs (Ref. 7248). Ref. 2801 gives a max. length of 400mm SL. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 June 2018 Ref. (124695)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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