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Highfin yellowfish (Labeobarbus altipinnis) — Cyprinidae

Highfin yellowfish

Labeobarbus altipinnis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Highfin yellowfish (Labeobarbus altipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 34 cm.

Length
33.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Congo basin
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The highfin yellowfish is a large cyprinid from Central Africa, in the Congo basin. The species grows to about 34 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with large scales, an inferior mouth with barbels and a conspicuously tall dorsal fin. As a bottom-forager it eats algae, invertebrates and plant matter in rivers and streams. It is a local food fish and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Highfin yellowfish?

The Highfin yellowfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior mouth with barbels and a tall dorsal fin

Where does the Highfin yellowfish live?

The Highfin yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Congo basin

How big does the Highfin yellowfish get?

The Highfin yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.

Is the Highfin yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Highfin yellowfish 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 Highfin yellowfish edible?

Yes, the Highfin yellowfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Highfin yellowfish verified
Scientific name
Labeobarbus altipinnis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Congo basin verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, invertebrates and plant material inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Bottom-foraging yellowfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Inferior mouth with barbels and a tall dorsal fin sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly 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
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 Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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