Nkupe

Diagnosis: snout extended; mouth terminal; head about 4 times in fork length; juveniles with 6-7 dark bars (Ref. 52193).Description: scales ctenoid, 67—70 in lateral line; body deep and compressed; adipose fin with scales, caudal deeply forked, largely covered by scales; head depressed, nape rising steeply with concave predorsal profile; mouth terminal; 2 rows of bicuspid teeth; dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 19-23 branched rays; anal fin with 3-4 unbranched and 10-12 branched rays (Ref. 52193).Coloration: adults deep olive, almost black; juveniles silvery, with 6—7 broad vertical dark bars (Ref. 52193).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 29; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 14 - 15

Inhabits swift flowing water, rapids or quiet, deep, sandy or rocky pools (Ref. 13337). Found only in the mainstream of larger rivers and even in Lake Kariba prefers more riverine habitats. Omnivorous, feeds on insects, snails, small fish, and aquatic plants. Breeds in summer, moving upstream to suitable sites (Ref. 7248).

Inhabits swift flowing water, rapids or quiet, deep, sandy or rocky pools (Ref. 13337). Found only in the mainstream of larger rivers and even in Lake Kariba prefers more riverine habitats; omnivorous, feeds on insects, snails, small fish, and aquatic plants; breeds in summer, moving upstream to suitable sites (Ref. 7248, 52193).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes