The Redeye Labeo (Labeo cylindricus) is a species of freshwater fish from east Africa. It is a cyprinid.

The Redeye Labeo has a cylindrical yellow-green body, with a darker horizontal band along the length of its body. It darkens as it ages, with the colour turning olive-green. It has a protruding nose that has star-shaped tubercles (small lumps) on it. Its mouth is large and its lips are fleshy. Its eyes are red.

Redeye Labeo

It can grow to about 23 centimetres (9 inches) in length.

The Redeye Labeo prefers clear, running water in rocky habitats in small and large rivers or lakes.

It feeds on small algae on the rocks.

They form a mass, or school, and migrate upstream to breed, using their mouth and broad pectoral fins to climb damp rock surfaces and weirs in the river.

Redeye Labeo

Redeye Labeo

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM