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Largescale yellowfin (Xenocypris macrolepis) — Cyprinidae

Largescale yellowfin

Xenocypris macrolepis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Largescale yellowfin (Xenocypris macrolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
34.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Hong Kong, Russia, Viet Nam
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The largescale yellowfin is a cyprinid relative (Xenocyprididae) from large rivers and lakes of East Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with large scales and an inferior, transverse mouth with a sharp, horny edge. As a social bottom-dweller it rasps algae, biofilm and detritus from the bottom and stones. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largescale yellowfin?

The Largescale yellowfin has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Largescale yellowfin live?

The Largescale yellowfin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: China, Hong Kong, Russia, Viet Nam

How big does the Largescale yellowfin get?

The Largescale yellowfin grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Largescale yellowfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Largescale yellowfin 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 Largescale yellowfin edible?

Yes, the Largescale yellowfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Largescale yellowfin (Xenocypris macrolepis) — Cyprinidae — 2
GBIF (andrey19780619)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Largescale yellowfin sourced
Scientific name
Xenocypris macrolepis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Yellow tail; Yellowfin; Blackbelly verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.6 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Hong Kong, Russia, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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