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Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) — Cyprinidae

Rednose labeo

Labeo rosae
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Africa; warmer, sandy river stretches.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The rednose labeo is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from southern Africa. The species can grow to about 40 cm and has a streamlined body with an inferior, fleshy sucker mouth and often a reddish tinge on the snout, to which the name refers. It occurs in the warmer reaches of rivers, particularly in sandy stretches of larger perennial and intermittent rivers. It is an active fish that grazes the growth layer from the bottom and feeds on detritus, algae and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rednose labeo?

The Rednose labeo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Reddish snout and fleshy sucker mouth; active bottom grazer of sandy rivers.

Where does the Rednose labeo live?

The Rednose labeo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa; warmer, sandy river stretches.

How big does the Rednose labeo get?

The Rednose labeo grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Rednose labeo dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Rednose labeo edible?

Yes, the Rednose labeo is commonly eaten.

More photos

Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) alexnaert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Pieter Kotze, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Joseph Heymans, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rednose labeo (Labeo rosae) — Cyprinidae — 5
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB

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All data

Identification

English name
Rednose labeo verified
Scientific name
Labeo rosae
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Rednose labeo verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern Africa; warmer, sandy river stretches.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Detritus, algae and small invertebrates 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
Reddish snout and fleshy sucker mouth; active bottom grazer of sandy rivers. 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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