HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesCarpsMinnows or carpsClanwilliam sandfish Clanwilliam sandfish (Labeo seeberi) Scientific name: Labeo seeberi Gilchrist & Thompson, 1911 The Clanwilliam sandfish (Labeo seeberi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. BiologyLives in the mainstream and larger tributaries, favors pools and deep runs of the river. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates by grazing off rocks as well as grubbing in soft sediments. In the clear water of the Olifants this species is frequently observed as silvery flashes as it rolls and twists when feeding. Migrates upstream in masses during spring and summer for breeding.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameLabeo seeberiFamilyCyprinidae (Minnows or carps)OrderCypriniformes (Carps)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length35.5EnvironmentFreshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromousClimateSubtropicalDistributionAfrica: within the drainage basin of the Olifants River, Limpopo system, Transvaal, South Africa. Labeo seeberi is apparently no longer found at the type locality, due to the effects of exotic fish introductions.Conservation status (IUCN)Endangered (EN) (B2ab(iii,v))Threat to humansHarmlessUsesGamefish: yesResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026