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Bo algae eater (Lobocheilos bo) — Cyprinidae

Bo algae eater

Lobocheilos bo
Family: Cyprinidae

The Bo algae eater (Lobocheilos bo) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

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Description

The Bo algae eater is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth with fleshy, lobed lips with which it rasps growth from stones. As a social bottom-dweller it swims in schools through flowing water and eats algae, biofilm and detritus. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bo algae eater?

The Bo algae eater has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bo algae eater live?

The Bo algae eater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

How big does the Bo algae eater get?

The Bo algae eater grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Bo algae eater dangerous to humans?

No, the Bo algae eater 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
Bo algae eater sourced
Scientific name
Lobocheilos bo
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Lobocheilos

More from the family Cyprinidae

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