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Redeye labeo (Labeo kirkii) — Cyprinidae

Redeye labeo

Labeo kirkii
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Redeye labeo (Labeo kirkii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Africa
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The redeye labeo is a cyprinid from fresh water of southern Africa, including the Zambezi system. The species grows to about 24 cm and has an elongate, greyish-brown body with an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth and often reddish eyes. As a bottom-feeder it lives in rivers and floodplains and scrapes algae, aufwuchs and detritus from stones and wood. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redeye labeo?

The Redeye labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth and reddish eyes; bottom-foraging labeo

Where does the Redeye labeo live?

The Redeye labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa

How big does the Redeye labeo get?

The Redeye labeo grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Redeye labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Redeye labeo 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 Redeye labeo edible?

Yes, the Redeye labeo is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Redeye labeo verified
Scientific name
Labeo kirkii
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) 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
Southern Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Bottom-foraging river labeo; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Inferior sucker mouth and reddish eyes; bottom-foraging labeo sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Net fishing 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 Labeo

More from the family Cyprinidae

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