Leaden labeo (Labeo molybdinus)

Scientific name: Labeo molybdinus du Plessis, 1963

The Leaden labeo (Labeo molybdinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. Native range: Africa, the Limpopo, Incomati and Usutu-Pongolo systems, Tugela and from Lake Kariba, Zambezi system. Also known from Lake Sibaya.

Biology

Prefers high veldt rapids but is absent from the coldest streams. Occurs more often in large permanent pools of seasonal rivers. Favors deep pools, but will enter rapids; grazes algae and `aufwuchs' from firm surfaces. Migrates upstream in rain-swollen rivers to breed.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Labeo molybdinus
Family
Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order
Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
38.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: the Limpopo, Incomati and Usutu-Pongolo systems, Tugela and from Lake Kariba, Zambezi system. Also known from Lake Sibaya.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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