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Simpson's labeo (Labeo simpsoni) — Cyprinidae

Simpson's labeo

Labeo simpsoni
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Simpson's labeo (Labeo simpsoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 22 cm.

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

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Description

Simpson's labeo is a cyprinid from fresh water of West Africa, including Nigeria. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an elongate, greyish-brown body with an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth with which it scrapes algae and aufwuchs from stones. As a bottom-feeder it lives in rivers and streams and also eats detritus and plant matter. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Simpson's labeo?

The Simpson's labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth for scraping algae; bottom-foraging labeo

Where does the Simpson's labeo live?

The Simpson's labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa

How big does the Simpson's labeo get?

The Simpson's labeo grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Simpson's labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Simpson's 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 Simpson's labeo edible?

Yes, the Simpson's labeo is commonly eaten.

More photos

Simpson's labeo (Labeo simpsoni) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gina Walsh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Simpson's labeo verified
Scientific name
Labeo simpsoni
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 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
West Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm, detritus and plant material 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 for scraping algae; 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

Fin

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