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Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) — Cyprinidae

Brahminy labeo

Labeo dyocheilus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, India and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Brahminy labeo is a large cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of the Ganges, Indus and Mekong basins in Asia. The species grows to about 90 cm and has an elongate, dark body with thick, folded lips and an underslung, scraping mouth. As a bottom-oriented fish it rasps algae, growth and detritus from stones and wood in rivers. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brahminy labeo?

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

Where does the Brahminy labeo live?

The Brahminy labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, India and others

How big does the Brahminy labeo get?

The Brahminy labeo grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Brahminy labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Brahminy 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.

Is the Brahminy labeo edible?

Yes, the Brahminy labeo is commonly eaten.

More photos

Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) — Cyprinidae — 2
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) loneconifer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Brahminy labeo (Labeo dyocheilus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) loneconifer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brahminy labeo sourced
Scientific name
Labeo dyocheilus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, India and others 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Labeo

More from the family Cyprinidae

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