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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Subtropical

Smallscale yellowfish

Labeobarbus polylepis Boulenger, 1907
Max Length
58.5 cm
Max Weight
6.8 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

A cool-water species not found below 600m altitude; occurs in deep pools and flowing waters of permanent rivers and in dams . It feeds primarily on algae in winter months and aquatic insects in summer months, but also takes mussels, snails, crabs and small fish . Breeds during spring and summer, males maturing at a smaller size (170 mm FL) than females (300 mm FL); females grow larger than males .

Scientific Name
Labeobarbus polylepis
Authority
Boulenger, 1907
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
58.5 cm
Max Weight
6.8 kg
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Smallscale yellowfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Smallscale yellowfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Smallscale yellowfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical; 23°S - 27°S

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.3±0.51
Food Items

algae in winter months and aquatic insects in summer months, but also takes mussels, snails, crabs a

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.1 (TL)
Max TL
58.5cm
Max Weight
6,800g
Dorsal Spines
4
Dorsal Rays
8
Anal Rays
8

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2017

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
52.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Boulenger, 1907

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Labeobarbus Polylepis is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Smallscale yellowfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Smallscale yellowfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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