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Degen's labeo (Labeo degeni) — Cyprinidae

Degen's labeo

Labeo degeni
Family: Cyprinidae

The Degen's labeo (Labeo degeni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 68 cm.

Length
68 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania

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Description

Degen's labeo is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from lakes and rivers of East Africa, including the Lake Victoria system. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, dark body with an inferior, disc-shaped sucker mouth with fleshy, rasping lips with which it grazes growth from stones and wood. As a bottom-dweller it 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 Degen's labeo?

The Degen's labeo has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Degen's labeo live?

The Degen's labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania

How big does the Degen's labeo get?

The Degen's labeo grows to a maximum of about 68 cm.

Is the Degen's labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Degen's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Degen's labeo sourced
Scientific name
Labeo degeni
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
68.0 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
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo Dem Rp, Tanzania 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

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 Labeo

More from the family Cyprinidae

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