Labeobarbus natalensis (Castelnau, 1861)
Scaly
Labeobarbus natalensis
photo by Truter, E.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Torinae
Max. size:  63.8 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 4,628.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: Natal, widespread from the Mkuze southwards to the Umtamvuna on Transkei border. Translocated to the Save in Zimbabwe.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in shoals and migrates upstream during spring and summer. Prefers warmer areas of rivers and often congregate at the inlets of small tributaries where the temperature is warmer than that of the main river. Feeds on algae, insect larvae and crabs. Spawns in fast-flowing stretches of rivers that are algae-free (Ref. 6465). Breeds in summer, migrates upstream and spawns over gravel beds. Males mature at about 10 cm FL, females at 15 cm FL (Ref. 7248, 52193).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 September 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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