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Sanders's yellowfish (Labeobarbus sandersi) — Cyprinidae

Sanders's yellowfish

Labeobarbus sandersi
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sanders's yellowfish (Labeobarbus sandersi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West-Central Africa; coastal rivers of Lower Guinea, from southern Cameroon via Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville to the Chiloango (Cabinda).
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Sanders's yellowfish is an African cyprinid from the Lower Guinea coastal rivers of West-Central Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm (up to about 37 cm) and has a streamlined, silvery body with large scales and two pairs of barbels. It inhabits rivers with flowing water and clear brooks. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for algae, growth, small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. Labeobarbus species are usually robust, powerfully swimming current fishes. The species is a locally valued food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sanders's yellowfish?

The Sanders's yellowfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large scales and two pairs of barbels; robust, powerfully swimming fish of flowing water.

Where does the Sanders's yellowfish live?

The Sanders's yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa; coastal rivers of Lower Guinea, from southern Cameroon via Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville to the Chiloango (Cabinda).

How big does the Sanders's yellowfish get?

The Sanders's yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Sanders's yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sanders's yellowfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Sanders's yellowfish edible?

Yes, the Sanders's yellowfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Sanders's yellowfish (Labeobarbus sandersi) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Sanders's yellowfish sourced
Scientific name
Labeobarbus sandersi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.2 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
West-Central Africa; coastal rivers of Lower Guinea, from southern Cameroon via Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville to the Chiloango (Cabinda). inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm, small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant material 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
Large scales and two pairs of barbels; robust, powerfully swimming fish of flowing water. 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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