Home · Cyprinidae · Compinie's yellowfish
Compinie's yellowfish (Labeobarbus compiniei) — Cyprinidae

Compinie's yellowfish

Labeobarbus compiniei
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Compinie's yellowfish (Labeobarbus compiniei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 73 cm.

Length
73 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Labeobarbus compiniei is a large African cyprinid from rivers of Central-West Africa, including Gabon and the Congo region. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with large scales, fleshy lips and barbels, and can reach about 73 cm. It inhabits clear, flowing rivers and is an omnivore feeding on algae, plant matter, insects and small invertebrates. Owing to its size the species is of local fishery importance and a valued food fish. Like other Labeobarbus species it probably undertakes upstream spawning migrations in the rainy season.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Compinie's yellowfish?

The Compinie's yellowfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Compinie's yellowfish live?

The Compinie's yellowfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Compinie's yellowfish get?

The Compinie's yellowfish grows to a maximum of about 73 cm.

Is the Compinie's yellowfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Compinie's yellowfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Compinie's yellowfish edible?

Yes, the Compinie's yellowfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Compinies grootschubbarbeel sourced
English name
Compinie's yellowfish sourced
Scientific name
Labeobarbus compiniei
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
73.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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