Orange River mudfish explained

Orange River mudfish (Labeo capensis) is a species of fish in genus Labeo. It inhabits the Orange River system of southern Africa.

Size

L. capensis reaches a maximum length of and the SA angling record is .^[1]

Biology and ecology

Occurs in a variety of habitats: quiet well vegetated backwaters, standing open waters, flowing open waters, sandy-rocky stretches and rocky rapids. Their preferred habitat is flowing rocky channels. Bottom feeder which grazes algae and organic detritus.

Breeds in summer, gathering in large numbers in shallow rocky rapids where eggs are laid. Larvae hatch after 3 or 4 days. May live up to 8 or 9 years.

Range

Africa: within the drainage basin of the Orange-Vaal River system to which it is possibly restricted. Introduced to the Fish River system in Eastern Cape, and the Crocodile River (West).^[2]

Uses

Occasional angling species, also used in physiological and ecological research and is a potential commercial species.

Notes and References

1. Book: Skelton, Paul H. A Complete Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa. Southern book publishers. 1993. 1 86812 493 2. 178–179.
2. First record of Labeo capensis (Smith, 1841) in the Crocodile River (West) system: another successful non-native freshwater fish introduction in South Africa. JH Erasmus. W Malherbe. R Gerber . OLF Weyl. B Sures. V Wepener. NJ Smit. amp . 177-181 . 14 Jan 2019. 10.2989/16085914.2019.1616529. African Journal of Aquatic Science. 44. 2.