| Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae |
| Max. size: |
41.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 7,000.0 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Zambezi river and the Incomati system (Ref. 1440); the warmer lowveld reaches of the middle and lower Zambezi system (Ref. 52193); Pungwe, Buzi, Sabi and Lundi rivers but absent from the cooler sections (Ref. 1440). Also from the rivers of Tanzania, the Luapula-Moero region of the Congo basin and Malagarasi River in Lake Tanganyika (Ref. 1440). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Deep-bodied with a deep caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193). Mouth large and fleshy, with well-developed papillose lips; snout with tubercles (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 10-12 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; dorsal fin high, with a straight or convex hind edge (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral line 38-40, 16-18 around caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Colour usually dark greenish grey with a purple sheen and a reddish centre to the scales, fins usually dusky black (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
Found in strong-flowing rocky stretches of larger perennial rivers (Ref. 52193). It grazes algae and `aufwuchs' from rocks and firm surfaces including the backs of hippos, leaving characteristic tracks (Ref. 52193). Migrates upstream in swollen rivers to breed (Ref. 7248, 52193). Can occur as either sail-fin or normal varieties (Ref. 4967). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 September 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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