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Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) — Cyprinidae

Black labeo

Labeo chrysophekadion
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southeast Asia; rivers, canals and floodplains.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The black sharkminnow is a large cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from Southeast Asia. The species has an elongate, almost uniformly black body with a high dorsal fin and an inferior mouth with folded, horny lips with which it rasps growth. It inhabits rivers, streams, canals and flooded floodplains. It feeds mainly on algae, diatoms, detritus and plant matter from the bottom. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black labeo?

The Black labeo has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Almost uniformly black with a tall dorsal fin; rasps biofilm with folded horny lips.

Where does the Black labeo live?

The Black labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia; rivers, canals and floodplains.

How big does the Black labeo get?

The Black labeo grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Black labeo dangerous to humans?

No, the Black labeo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black labeo edible?

Yes, the Black labeo is commonly eaten.

More photos

Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Alan Temple, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) — Cyprinidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) — Cyprinidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Black labeo (Labeo chrysophekadion) — Cyprinidae — 5
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF

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All data

Identification

English name
Black labeo verified
Scientific name
Labeo chrysophekadion
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Black shark; Black sharkminnow; Sail fin shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southeast Asia; rivers, canals and floodplains.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, diatoms, detritus and plant material from the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Almost uniformly black with a tall dorsal fin; rasps biofilm with folded horny lips. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Labeo

More from the family Cyprinidae

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