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Sabre scraper (Cyprinion acinaces) — Cyprinidae

Sabre scraper

Cyprinion acinaces
Family: Cyprinidae

The Sabre scraper (Cyprinion acinaces) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Saudi Arabia, Yemen

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Description

The sabre scraper is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent Southwest Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with an inferior mouth bearing a horny edge with which it scrapes growth from stones. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear mountain streams and wadi pools and eats algae, plant material and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sabre scraper?

The Sabre scraper has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sabre scraper live?

The Sabre scraper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Saudi Arabia, Yemen

How big does the Sabre scraper get?

The Sabre scraper grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Sabre scraper dangerous to humans?

No, the Sabre scraper 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sabre scraper sourced
Scientific name
Cyprinion acinaces
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Arabian lotak verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Saudi Arabia, Yemen sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Cyprinion

More from the family Cyprinidae

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