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Largemouth labeo (Labeo macrostoma) — Cyprinidae

Largemouth labeo

Labeo macrostoma
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Largemouth labeo (Labeo macrostoma) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 73 cm.

Length
73 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 macrostoma is a large African cyprinid (family Cyprinidae). The species grows to about 73 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 Largemouth labeo?

The Largemouth labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large labeo that scrapes algae off stones with a sucker-shaped lower mouth.

Where does the Largemouth labeo live?

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

How big does the Largemouth labeo get?

The Largemouth labeo grows to a maximum of about 73 cm.

Is the Largemouth labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Largemouth labeo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Largemouth labeo edible?

The Largemouth labeo is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Largemouth labeo sourced
Scientific name
Labeo macrostoma
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
73.0 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 from 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
Large labeo that scrapes algae 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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