Cheilobarbus capensis (Smith, 1841)
Cape whitefish

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  60 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,407.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Berg and Breede River systems, south-western Cape Province in South Africa (Ref. 7248, 119402); also Clanwilliam Olifants River in South Africa (Ref. 111087).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Prefers deep, rocky pools of larger tributaries and mainstreams and does well in dams such as VoĆ«lvlei and Brandvlei. Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and algae. Breeds in summer, congregating at the head of large, stony pools or at the base of rapids. Eggs are laid in gravel in flowing water and hatch after about 5 days. Has been artificially bred and restocked by conservation authorities (Ref. 7248).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 30 November 2016 (B1ab(iii,iv,v)+2ab(iii,iv,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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