How to Identify Largemouth Yellowfish

To identify Largemouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally olive-green to bronze on the dorsal surface, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Fins are often yellowish, particularly the caudal and anal fins, giving rise to the 'yellowfish' common name. Juveniles may have faint dark spots or bars.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, terminal mouth extending beyond the anterior margin of the eye in adults., Two pairs of prominent barbels: one rostral pair and one maxillary pair, with the maxillary barbels being longer., Robust, muscular body., Large, cycloid scales., Deeply forked caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 3-4 unbranched rays and 8-9 branched rays. The last unbranched ray is strong and serrated posteriorly.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively large and rounded, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, positioned below the dorsal fin origin. Anal fin has 3 unbranched and 5 branched rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth Size and Position

   The most distinguishing feature is its exceptionally large, terminal mouth that extends well past the front of the eye in adults. This differentiates it from other yellowfish species with smaller, subterminal mouths.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Possesses two pairs of prominent barbels. The maxillary barbels are notably long, often reaching or exceeding the posterior margin of the eye.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Size

   A robust, deep-bodied fish when mature, capable of reaching significant sizes (up to 15 kg and over 1 meter in length), making it one of the largest indigenous freshwater fish in Southern Africa.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Ray

   The last unbranched ray of the dorsal fin is strong and serrated along its posterior edge, a characteristic shared with other Labeobarbus species but useful for genus identification.

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