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Green's labeo (Labeo greenii) — Cyprinidae

Green's labeo

Labeo greenii
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Green's labeo (Labeo greenii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa, in rivers and streams.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Labeo greenii is an African cyprinid (family Cyprinidae). The species reaches about 27 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey to brownish body and short barbels. Characteristic is the downward-directed, sucker-like lower mouth with fleshy lips, with which the fish scrapes algae, aufwuchs and detritus from stones and the bottom. It inhabits rivers and streams and is a herbivore. The species is of modest local fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Green's labeo?

The Green's labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Scrapes algae and biofilm off stones with a sucker-shaped lower mouth.

Where does the Green's labeo live?

The Green's labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa, in rivers and streams.

How big does the Green's labeo get?

The Green's labeo grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Green's labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Green's labeo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Green's labeo edible?

The Green's labeo is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Green's labeo sourced
Scientific name
Labeo greenii
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa, in rivers and streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, aufwuchs and detritus, scraped off stones and the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Scrapes algae and biofilm off stones with a sucker-shaped lower mouth. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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