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Largescale yellowfish (Labeobarbus macrolepis) — Cyprinidae

Largescale yellowfish

Labeobarbus macrolepis
Family: Cyprinidae
NT · Near Threatened

The Largescale yellowfish (Labeobarbus macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The largescale yellowfish is a large cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from East Africa. The species has an elongate, silvery body with conspicuously large scales and barbels around the mouth. It inhabits rivers and keeps near the bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, growth, insect larvae, small invertebrates and plant matter. Owing to fishing pressure the species is considered near threatened. It is a local food fish and harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largescale yellowfish?

The Largescale yellowfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Largescale yellowfish live?

The Largescale yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Largescale yellowfish get?

The Largescale yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Largescale yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Largescale yellowfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Largescale yellowfish edible?

Yes, the Largescale yellowfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootschub-barbeel sourced
English name
Largescale yellowfish sourced
Scientific name
Labeobarbus macrolepis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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