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Pungwe chiselmouth (Labeobarbus pungweensis) — Cyprinidae

Pungwe chiselmouth

Labeobarbus pungweensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pungwe chiselmouth (Labeobarbus pungweensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southeastern Africa; rocky mountain streams.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Pungwe labeo is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from southeastern Africa. The species has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior mouth and barbels. It inhabits rocky rapids of cool, clear mountain streams. With its inferior mouth it scrapes algae, growth and insects from the surface of stones. It lives in small groups and is a locally valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pungwe chiselmouth?

The Pungwe chiselmouth has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior mouth for scraping algae off stones; current-loving barbel of mountain streams.

Where does the Pungwe chiselmouth live?

The Pungwe chiselmouth lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeastern Africa; rocky mountain streams.

How big does the Pungwe chiselmouth get?

The Pungwe chiselmouth grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Pungwe chiselmouth dangerous to humans?

No, the Pungwe chiselmouth is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pungwe chiselmouth edible?

Yes, the Pungwe chiselmouth is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pungwe chiselmouth verified
Scientific name
Labeobarbus pungweensis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Pungwe chiselmouth verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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
Natural range
Southeastern Africa; rocky mountain streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm and insects, scraped from stones sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Inferior mouth for scraping algae off stones; current-loving barbel of mountain streams. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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