Labeo ruddi Boulenger, 1907
Silver labeo

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,000.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7; dH range: 10 - 15, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: warmer lowveld reaches of the Limpopo and Incomati systems (Ref. 7248, 52193); also in the Cunene River (Ref. 7248, 52193, 120641).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Slender bodied, caudal peduncle longer than deep, fins short (Ref. 52193). Mouth small; lips thin with small papillae; a single pair of short barbels sometimes present; snout usually without tubercles, if present small and grey or white in colour (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 9-10 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral line 40-44, 18-22 around caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Usually plain silvery; tubercles on snout if present grey or white (Ref. 52193). Juveniles with a black spot on caudal peduncle (Ref. 52193).

Biology:  Habitat preference is warm middle and low veldt streams and larger pools over muddy bottoms (Ref. 1440), prefers quiet or standing waters of larger rivers; deep standing pools with a muddy subtrate are typical habitat (Ref. 52193). It feeds on organic sediments (Ref. 52193). Moves up rain-swollen rivers to breed (Ref. 7248, 52193).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 13 February 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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