Family: |
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Torinae |
Max. size: |
82.5 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 22 kg |
Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous |
Distribution: |
Africa: Orange-Vaal River system. |
Diagnosis: |
|
Biology: |
Is the largest scale-bearing indigenous fish species in southern Africa. Adults prefer flowing water in deep channels or below rapids, but the species does well in dams. Mainly a predator, initially taking insects and small crustaceans but piscivore above 30 cm FL. Breeds in mid-summer to late summer over gravel beds in running water. May live for 12 or more years (Ref. 7248). Imported for food in US and Canadian markets (Ref. 4537) |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 20 December 2016 (B2b(ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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