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Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) — Cyprinidae

Deepbody shovelnose

Onychostoma alticorpus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–10 m
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei

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Description

The deepbody shovelnose is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) endemic to clear, fast-flowing mountain rivers of Taiwan. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a strikingly deep, streamlined, silvery body and a transverse, inferior mouth with a horny edge with which it rasps algae from stones. As a bottom-oriented grazer it lives in cool, oxygen-rich water and eats aufwuchs, algae, invertebrates and detritus. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepbody shovelnose?

The Deepbody shovelnose has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Deepbody shovelnose live?

The Deepbody shovelnose lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei

How big does the Deepbody shovelnose get?

The Deepbody shovelnose grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Deepbody shovelnose dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepbody shovelnose is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) jenny20030123, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) 洪韋翔, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Whispers of Aqua, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deepbody shovelnose (Onychostoma alticorpus) — Cyprinidae — 5
roarlan (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist

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All data

Identification

English name
Deepbody shovelnose sourced
Scientific name
Onychostoma alticorpus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Sharp-jaw barbel; Taiwan ku fish; Deep-body shovelnose minnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50 verified
Average length (cm)
25 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
10 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Onychostoma

More from the family Cyprinidae

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