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Bates' labeo (Prolabeo batesi) — Cyprinidae

Bates' labeo

Prolabeo batesi
Family: Cyprinidae

The Bates' labeo (Prolabeo batesi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Sierra Leone

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Description

Bates' labeo is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, dark body with an inferior, disc-shaped sucker mouth with fleshy lips with which it clings to stones. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear mountain streams and rasps algae and biofilm from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bates' labeo?

The Bates' labeo has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bates' labeo live?

The Bates' labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Sierra Leone

How big does the Bates' labeo get?

The Bates' labeo grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Bates' labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Bates' labeo 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
Bates' labeo sourced
Scientific name
Prolabeo batesi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Sierra Leone 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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