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Mesopotamian asp (Leuciscus vorax) — Cyprinidae

Mesopotamian asp

Leuciscus vorax
Family: Cyprinidae

The Mesopotamian asp (Leuciscus vorax) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 102 cm.

Length
102 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Mesopotamian asp is a large cyprinid relative (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of the Tigris and Euphrates system in the Middle East. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an elongate, streamlined, silvery body with a large, obliquely set mouth. As a fast, schooling predator it hunts smaller fish in flowing rivers and reservoirs. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mesopotamian asp?

The Mesopotamian asp has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Mesopotamian asp live?

The Mesopotamian asp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Mesopotamian asp get?

The Mesopotamian asp grows to a maximum of about 102 cm.

Is the Mesopotamian asp dangerous to humans?

No, the Mesopotamian asp is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mesopotamische roofvoorn sourced
English name
Mesopotamian asp sourced
Scientific name
Leuciscus vorax
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Tigris asp sourced

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
102.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
24.0 verified

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Leuciscus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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