Fin's Fish Guide
The Labeobarbus roylii is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 55 cm.
West-Central Africa, in the Chiloango and Kouilou basins (Angola and Republic of the Congo).
Description
Royle's large-scaled barb is a large African cyprinid from the Chiloango and Kouilou basins in Angola and the Republic of Congo (West-Central Africa). The species reaches about 55 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-brown body with large scales, an inferior mouth with fleshy lips and barbels. It inhabits rivers, where it grazes algae, detritus, insect larvae and plant material from the bottom. Through overfishing and degradation of its river habitats the species has declined strongly and is assessed by the IUCN as endangered (EN). It is caught locally in fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Labeobarbus roylii?
The Labeobarbus roylii has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large African barbel from the Chiloango/Kouilou river basin; endangered (EN) through overfishing and habitat loss.
Where does the Labeobarbus roylii live?
The Labeobarbus roylii lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West-Central Africa, in the Chiloango and Kouilou basins (Angola and Republic of the Congo).
How big does the Labeobarbus roylii get?
The Labeobarbus roylii grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Labeobarbus roylii dangerous to humans?
No, the Labeobarbus roylii is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Labeobarbus roylii edible?
The Labeobarbus roylii is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Labeobarbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Labeobarbus roylii is one of 12,519 species in the app.