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Congo garra (Garra congoensis) — Cyprinidae

Congo garra

Garra congoensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Congo garra (Garra congoensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Congo garra is an algae eater (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with an inferior mouth whose lower lip is modified into a sucker disc, with which it clings to stones in strong current and rasps off algae. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear mountain streams and eats algae, biofilm, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo garra?

The Congo garra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Congo garra live?

The Congo garra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Congo garra get?

The Congo garra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Congo garra dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo garra 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 Congo garra edible?

The Congo garra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Congo garra sourced
Scientific name
Garra congoensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp 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
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 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 Garra

More from the family Cyprinidae

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