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Boka (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) — Cyprinidae

Boka

Neolissochilus hexagonolepis
Family: Cyprinidae
NT · Near Threatened

The Boka (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 120 cm.

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

Description

The copper mahseer is a large Asian cyprinid that can reach about 120 cm. Adults live in fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers with rocky bottoms, mainly in mid-channel. The species has a streamlined, copper-coloured body, an inferior mouth with fleshy lips and barbels. It is an omnivore feeding mainly on filamentous green algae and additionally on midge larvae, crustaceans and water beetles. During the breeding season the fish migrates upstream to spawn on stones and gravel. The flesh is highly valued and the species is under fishing pressure; the IUCN assesses it as near threatened.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Boka?

The Boka has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Boka live?

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

How big does the Boka get?

The Boka grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the Boka dangerous to humans?

No, the Boka is harmless to humans.

Is the Boka edible?

Yes, the Boka is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Koperen mahseer sourced
English name
Boka verified
Scientific name
Neolissochilus hexagonolepis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Bokar; Chocolate mahseer; Copper mahseer verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
120.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold 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
Geliefde sport- en consumptievis; bevist met natuuraas of kunstaas in snelstromende rivieren. sourced
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 Neolissochilus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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