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Cunene labeo (Labeo ansorgii) — Cyprinidae

Cunene labeo

Labeo ansorgii
Family: Cyprinidae

The Cunene labeo (Labeo ansorgii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Namibia

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Description

The Cunene labeo is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of southwestern Africa, notably the Cunene drainage. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a streamlined, dark body with an inferior, sucking mouth with horny lips with which it rasps algae and growth from stones. As a bottom-oriented grazer it lives in flowing rivers and eats aufwuchs, algae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cunene labeo?

The Cunene labeo has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Cunene labeo live?

The Cunene labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Angola, Namibia

How big does the Cunene labeo get?

The Cunene labeo grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Cunene labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Cunene 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.

More photos

Cunene labeo (Labeo ansorgii) — Cyprinidae — 2
P.H. Skelton (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Cunene labeo (Labeo ansorgii) — Cyprinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Cunene labeo sourced
Scientific name
Labeo ansorgii
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Kunene labeo verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Africa: Angola, Namibia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material 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
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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