Fin's Fish Guide
The Ningu (Labeo victorianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 41 cm.
East Africa, in the basin of Lake Victoria; migrates up rivers and streams during floods to spawn.
Description
The ningu is an African cyprinid (family Cyprinidae) of the Lake Victoria drainage in East Africa. The species grows to about 41 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey body with an inferior, sucker-like mouth and barbels. It is an anadromous species that ascends rivers and streams during floods to spawn in flooded pools and grasses along the banks. With its sucking mouth it scrapes algae, aufwuchs and detritus from stones and the bottom. The ningu is a prized food fish, but its stocks are vulnerable to overfishing and the spawning migration. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ningu?
The Ningu has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Anadromous labeo that scrapes algae with a sucker-shaped inferior mouth; migrates upstream to breed.
Where does the Ningu live?
The Ningu lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa, in the basin of Lake Victoria; migrates up rivers and streams during floods to spawn.
How big does the Ningu get?
The Ningu grows to a maximum of about 41 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Ningu dangerous to humans?
No, the Ningu is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ningu edible?
Yes, the Ningu is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labeo
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ningu is one of 12,519 species in the app.