Fin's Fish Guide
The Tanganyika yellowfish (Labeobarbus caudovittatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Fresh water of Central and East Africa (Congo and Tanganyika region), in rivers and lakes with a stony or sandy bottom.
Description
The Tanganyika yellowfish is a robust African large barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 80 cm. The sturdy, silvery-grey body has large scales, thick lips and two pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth. The species comes from the Congo and Tanganyika region of Central and East Africa and lives in schools in rivers and lakes with stony or sandy bottoms. As an omnivore it eats insects, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and plant matter. In the rainy season it migrates upstream to spawn on gravel bars. With its size and tasty flesh it is a valued commercial and hard-fighting sport fish in the region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tanganyika yellowfish?
The Tanganyika yellowfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Robust African large barb with large scales, thick lips and two pairs of barbels; migrates upstream to spawn.
Where does the Tanganyika yellowfish live?
The Tanganyika yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of Central and East Africa (Congo and Tanganyika region), in rivers and lakes with a stony or sandy bottom.
How big does the Tanganyika yellowfish get?
The Tanganyika yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Tanganyika yellowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Tanganyika yellowfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tanganyika yellowfish edible?
Yes, the Tanganyika yellowfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labeobarbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Tanganyika yellowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tanganyika yellowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.