Largemouth yellowfish

Introduction: Yellowfish including the largemouth yellowfish (Barbus kimberleyensis) grow to a large size and live for many years. They prefer flowing water in deep channels or below rapids, hence there preference for the Orange River, but they can also survive quite well in dams. They are a popular angling species in Namibia and are known to give as good as they get on a light tackle of a variety of lures and live bait. The largemouth yellowfish is becoming scarce and is therefore being artificially cultured and restocked.

Distribution: The Vaal-Orange River system including Fish River Canyon on the southern boundaries of Namibia, usually found in the larger tributaries and dams.

Diet: Largemouth yellowfish are primarily predators and will initially feed on insects and small crustaceans and fish over 300mm in full length.

Colouring: They are silvery when young, turning olive grey or light olive yellow in adults.

Breeding: Breeding season is mid to late summer over gravel beds in running water. Males mature at 6 years and females after 8 years. Individuals have been known to live for up to 12 years.

Size: Females are known to grow larger than males with a maximum recorded size of 22kg and 825mm full length.