Identification

A cyprinid with a spindle-shaped, sturdy body, grey-bronze with a dark back, fleshy prominent snout overhanging an inferior sucker mouth with thick, fringed lips. Large dorsal fin; powerful forked caudal. The outline of a slender “carp” of the currents.

Features that never mislead

Inferior sucker mouth with fleshy lips (grazing on the substrate).

Prominent, rounded snout; streamlined grey-bronze body.

Large dorsal fin; forked caudal of a strong swimmer.

No developed barbels (unlike catfishes).

Size and weight

Usually 25 to 45 cm; published maximum around 80 cm for several kilos.

Behaviour and ecology

A grazer of hard bottoms: it scrapes algae, biofilm and micro-organisms from rocks and stumps in the current with its sucker mouth. A good swimmer, it frequents lively, oxygenated areas and makes spawning movements when the water rises.

Reproduction and season

Oviparous; spawns in the rainy season, often after migrating upstream or into flooded areas; abundant spawning in running water.

Fishing practice

Techniques, from most to least effective

Bottom line with plant paste or worm, near hard bottoms. The top technique.

Float fishing with plant-based groundbait in adjacent calm areas.

Cast net and net in subsistence fishing.

A fine fighter thanks to its muscles and the current: strong runs and sustained resistance. Small sucker mouth: fine hook, delicate strike. Easy to handle, no dangerous spines.

Eating quality

Popular white flesh but rather bony, as is often the case with cyprinids; eaten grilled, fried or smoked, especially in river areas.

Sources: FishBase (Labeo coubie, Rüppell 1832); IUCN Red List (Least Concern); Lévêque & Paugy. Local names to be documented.