The great variety of species of Labeo from Africa is hardly known in the hobby. Even for scientists the determination is difficult. Only in 1990 a new species was detected in the Niger basin! This brings the number of Labeo-species known from the Niger to four: Labeo parvus, L. roseopunctatus, L. senegalensis, and L. coubie.
Recently we were able to import beautiful Labeo coubie from Nigeria. This species can attain a maximum length of 75 cm and a weight of up to 5 kg. Of course such giants appear only every now and then. Most specimens become only 25-30 cm long. Nevertheless the fish is suited for large aquaria only.
Our fish are currently 10-15 cm long. The smallest show a fade caudal spot, which is not present in larger conspecifics anymore. The bigger the fish are the larger is the dorsal fin. In our largest specimens it is a wonderful, sailshaped fin! Against conspecfics the fish are quarrelsome, as it is known from the whole relationship of the Labeo and Epalzeorhynchus group. However, they do not hurt each other. But one should keep them either solitary or in larger groups in the aquarium. It is very unlikely that two or three specimens together will do well on a long time sight.
At the first glimpse the fish seem to be of grey colour, but look nevertheless nice. This is due to a purple red spot of each scale. Also the membranes of the fins have a purplish shine.
For our customers: the animals have code 142253 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Labeo: this name refers to the enlarged lips of the members of that genus. coubie: after the vernacular name of the species on the fish market in Cairo (Egypt) from where the type specimens originate.
Common name: African carp
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Nigeria |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 10-15 |
