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Toba mahseer (Neolissochilus thienemanni) — Cyprinidae

Toba mahseer

Neolissochilus thienemanni
Family: Cyprinidae

The Toba mahseer (Neolissochilus thienemanni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Toba mahseer is a mahseer or large barb (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of Lake Toba on Sumatra in Indonesia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a powerful, silvery body with large scales, an inferior mouth and barbels. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear mountain rivers and lakes and eats algae, water plants, insects, fruit and small animals. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Toba mahseer?

The Toba mahseer has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Toba mahseer live?

The Toba mahseer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Toba mahseer get?

The Toba mahseer grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Toba mahseer dangerous to humans?

No, the Toba mahseer 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
Toba mahseer sourced
Scientific name
Neolissochilus thienemanni
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia 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
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 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 Neolissochilus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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