Labeo coubie

Labeo coubie, Eng. African Carp, carp is a fish from Africa. Within the genus Labeo it is the most common Art

Occurrence

Labeo coubie is widespread in tropical Africa between latitudes 6 ° N-6 ° S far. She lives from Senegal to Ethiopia. The species occurs in the river system of the Nile (also Blue Nile, Lake Albert ) into the lower reaches of the river in Egypt, mainly in West Africa in Chad, Niger, Benin River, in the Volta, Gambia River, the rivers Senegal, the Cross River and various coastal rivers of Cameroon before. Furthermore, the type in East Africa and in the middle reaches of the Congo comes from Stanley Pool on to Kisangani. It is also suspected in the Zambezi, but this is not confirmed.

Description

Labeo coubie is 75 inches long on average and reaches a weight of five kilograms. The largest fish caught weighed seven kilograms and a length of 80 centimeters and was caught in Cameroon in 2004. Labeo coubie lives mostly in rivers. The fish has fins following formula: Dorsal 11-13, Anal 8 and 31-33. The outer lip has a fold. In the corner of his mouth there are small barbels. With age, the barbels are regressed. The body is mostly dark. Back and sides are colored blue-gray or black - purple, sometimes silvery, belly underside lighter. The scales have partly a purple or red- purple center and to the outer sides towards more blue to black.

Way of life

Labeo coubie shows a benthopelagic lifestyles and spawning a migratory behavior. The fish live mainly in rivers or in sheltered bays in lakes. They search for food mainly on the stream bottom and feed on dead organic material, plant debris and algae. The spawning season is in the spring to summer.

Hazardous situation

Labeo coubie applies in Central and West Africa as widespread and is not currently considered endangered. Due to lack of data regarding species distribution, population size and threats the species in East and Northeast Africa was classified as "Data Deficient ". In northern Africa it is considered threatened. Your stock is threatened by high fishing pressure, water pollution (agricultural biocides, domestic and industrial waste water), construction of dams, groundwater lowering and droughts.

Economic Importance

Labeo coubie is an important Speisefischart in mainly in West Africa and is kept in ponds. The species is known for its slightly sweet taste with nutritionally valuable protein pattern. The muzzle month and the quality of the meat vary during the year.