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Axelrod's yellowfish (Labeobarbus axelrodi) — Cyprinidae

Axelrod's yellowfish

Labeobarbus axelrodi
Family: Cyprinidae

The Axelrod's yellowfish (Labeobarbus axelrodi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo, Gabon

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Description

The Axelrod's yellowfish is a large African barb or yellowfish (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of Central Africa. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silvery to yellow-brown body with large scales and barbels. As a powerful bottom-oriented fish it lives in flowing rivers and lakes and eats algae, water plants, insects, molluscs and small animals. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Axelrod's yellowfish?

The Axelrod's yellowfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Axelrod's yellowfish live?

The Axelrod's yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Congo, Gabon

How big does the Axelrod's yellowfish get?

The Axelrod's yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Axelrod's yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Axelrod's yellowfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Axelrod's yellowfish sourced
Scientific name
Labeobarbus axelrodi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo, Gabon sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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