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Predatory yellowfish (Labeobarbus aspius) — Cyprinidae

Predatory yellowfish

Labeobarbus aspius
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Predatory yellowfish (Labeobarbus aspius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
East Africa
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The predatory yellowfish is an African cyprinid from fresh water of East Africa. The species grows to about 42 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and barbels. Unlike many related barbs it is an active hunter that preys on small fish and large invertebrates. It lives in rivers and lakes. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Predatory yellowfish?

The Predatory yellowfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large scales and barbels; actively hunting barbel

Where does the Predatory yellowfish live?

The Predatory yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa

How big does the Predatory yellowfish get?

The Predatory yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Predatory yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Predatory yellowfish 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 Predatory yellowfish edible?

Yes, the Predatory yellowfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Predatory yellowfish (Labeobarbus aspius) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Predatory yellowfish verified
Scientific name
Labeobarbus aspius
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
East Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and large invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Actively hunting river barbel; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Large scales and barbels; actively hunting barbel sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Nets and angling sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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

Same genus Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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