Fin's Fish Guide
The African scraping feeder (Labeobarbus beso) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Description
The beso barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from the highlands of East Africa, including the Nile basin and Ethiopia. The species has a streamlined body with large scales and an inferior mouth with a horny cutting edge, with which it scrapes growth from stones. It inhabits clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams with a rocky bottom. As a bottom grazer it feeds on algae, aufwuchs, detritus and small invertebrates. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African scraping feeder?
The African scraping feeder has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Horny cutting edge on the lower lip for scraping biofilm off stones; highland barbel.
Where does the African scraping feeder live?
The African scraping feeder lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Highlands of East Africa; clear fast-flowing rivers and streams.
How big does the African scraping feeder get?
The African scraping feeder grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.
Is the African scraping feeder dangerous to humans?
No, the African scraping feeder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African scraping feeder edible?
Yes, the African scraping feeder is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labeobarbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the African scraping feeder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African scraping feeder is one of 12,519 species in the app.