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Labeobarbus polylepis (Boulenger, 1907) Smallscale yellowfish |
| Family: | Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Torinae | |||
| Max. size: | 58.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,800.0 g | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | Africa: restricted to the southern tributaries of the Limpopo, and the Incomati and Phongolo Rivers (Ref. 52193, 108777). | |||
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Mouth subterminal with variable lips; two pairs of barbels (Ref. 52193). Both sexes develop small white tubercles on head, upper body scales and anal and dorsal fin rays (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 4 spines and 8 soft rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays; primary dorsal ray segmented and flexible; dorsal-fin origin above or before origin of pelvic fins (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral line 36-44, 14-18 scales around caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Adults dark olive green above, bronze on the sides and cream below, fins dark grey-green (Ref. 52193). Juveniles silvery with dark spots over body (Ref. 52193). |
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| Biology: | A cool-water species not found below 600m altitude; occurs in deep pools and flowing waters of permanent rivers and in dams (Ref. 52193). It feeds primarily on algae in winter months and aquatic insects in summer months, but also takes mussels, snails, crabs and small fish (Ref. 52193). Breeds during spring and summer, males maturing at a smaller size (170 mm FL) than females (300 mm FL); females grow larger than males (Ref. 7248, 52193). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 February 2017 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||