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Black-finned labeo (Prolabeops melanhypopterus) — Cyprinidae

Black-finned labeo

Prolabeops melanhypopterus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black-finned labeo (Prolabeops melanhypopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Prolabeops melanhypopterus is a small African minnow (Cyprinidae) from coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery-grey body with dark fins and reaches about 9 cm. Characteristic is the downward-facing, somewhat sucker-like mouth with fleshy lips, with which the fish scrapes algae and growth from stones and the bottom. It inhabits clear, flowing streams and rivers and lives in small groups near the bottom. Little detailed information is available on the precise ecology and reproduction of this obscure species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-finned labeo?

The Black-finned labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior, suction-cup-like mouth for scraping off biofilm; dark fins.

Where does the Black-finned labeo live?

The Black-finned labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa.

How big does the Black-finned labeo get?

The Black-finned labeo grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Black-finned labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Black-finned labeo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black-finned labeo edible?

The Black-finned labeo is not usually eaten.

More photos

Black-finned labeo (Prolabeops melanhypopterus) — Cyprinidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Black-finned labeo (Prolabeops melanhypopterus) — Cyprinidae — 3
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Black-finned labeo (Prolabeops melanhypopterus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) jeanlouisamiet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-finned labeo sourced
Scientific name
Prolabeops melanhypopterus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Coastal rivers of Cameroon in West Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae and biofilm from stones and the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Inferior, suction-cup-like mouth for scraping off biofilm; dark fins. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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