African carp
📖 Overview
African carp (Labeo coubie), first described by Rüppell, 1832 is a large fish in the family Cyprinidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 75.00 cm in maximum length and up to 5.000 kg. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cyprinidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 19; Anal soft rays: 8 - 11; Vertebrae: 31 - 33. Diagnosis: dorsal profile straight to slightly arched; body dark and dull; rostral lobe poorly developed, its free margin smooth . Distal margin of dorsal fin straight or convex; inner surface of lips with 4-10 transverse folds or costae . Inferior mouth with well-developed lips forming a sucker-like ring enclosing the jaws; snout typically swollen, as long as or much longer than the postocular part of the head . Body not cylindriform, its depth 27-39% of SL or 2.3-3.3 times in SL . Depth of caudal peduncle 0.7-1.3x its length; 26-46 (50-150mm) and 37-47 (150-250mm) gill rakers; scale formula 5.5-7.5/36-40/6.5-7.5; 4.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; 16 (18) scales around caudal peduncle . 11-14 dorsal fin branched rays . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African carp is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Tropical; 6°N - 6°S East coast of Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"African carp is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 388 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African carp has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | African Carp · Black Carp |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | Kada · Koubi · Labis Kobi · Lebeis Aswad · Lebeis Aswad Horie · Tutkum |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeo cubie | Rüppell | 1832 | Synonym |
| Labeo lereensis | Blache & Miton | 1960 | Synonym |
| Labeo pseudocoubie | Blache & Miton | 1960 | Synonym |
| Labeo selti | Valenciennes | 1842 | Synonym |
| Labeo steindachnerii | Pfeffer | 1896 | Heterotypic |
| Labeo tongaensis | Rendahl | 1935 | Synonym |
| Labeo uhamensis | Pellegrin | 1920 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect African carp.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 108 records indexed .
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