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Labeo molybdinus du Plessis, 1963 Leaden labeo |
| Family: | Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Labeoninae | |||
| Max. size: | 38 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,685.0 g | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous | |||
| Distribution: | Africa: rivers and lakes from the middle and lower Zambezi south to the Tugela system in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Ref. 52193), including Limpopo, Incomati and Usutu-Pongolo systems (Ref. 1440), Lake Kariba in Zambezi system (Ref. 1440) and Lake Sibaya (Ref. 7248, 52193). | |||
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Description: Body shape fusiform; snout usually without tubercles; mouth large, lips fleshy, lower lip papillose; a single pair of small barbels (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 9-10 branched rays; anal fin with 2-3 unbranched and 5 branched rays (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral line 38-41, 17-21 around caudal peduncle; 6 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Greyish brown with iridescent green on upper scales, lighter below (Ref. 52193). |
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| Biology: | Prefers high veldt rapids but is absent from the coldest streams (Ref. 1440). Found more often in large permanent pools of seasonal rivers (Ref. 1440) and prefers deep pools, but will enter rapids (Ref. 52193). It grazes algae and `aufwuchs' from firm surfaces (Ref. 52193). Migrates upstream in rain-swollen rivers to breed (Ref. 7248, 52193). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 January 2017 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||