A heavy-bodied, laterally compressed fish with a long dorsal fin and arched back. The first ray of the dorsal and anal fins is a stout, serrated spine. The small triangular head tapers to a blunt snout. The small, protrusive mouth contains no teeth and is located below the snout. There are two pair of Common Carps on the upper jaw. Body color is generally bronze or gold on sides. The belly is yellowish white. Fins typically are yellow, orange, golden, or light olive in color. Common Carp are covered in neat rows of unbroken scales.This fish typically gets its name from the abundance of this species when first introduced as the Mirror and Leather carp had not yet been cross bread, hence the name Common carp,
COMMON CARP
Cyprinus carpio
A heavy-bodied, laterally compressed fish with a long dorsal fin and arched back. The first ray of the dorsal and anal fins is a stout, serrated spine. The small triangular head tapers to a blunt snout. The small, protrusive mouth contains no teeth and is located below the snout. There are two pair of barbels on the upper jaw. Body color is brassy green on top grading to bronze or gold on sides. The belly is yellowish white. Fins typically are yellow, orange, golden, or light olive in color. This fish typically gets its name from the distinct heavy large scales which resemble large plate mirrors hence the name mirror carp.
MIRROR CARP
Ctenopharyngodon idella
The grass carp has an oblong body, a round belly and a broad head. Its color is a silvery dark grey above, the sides are lighter with a gold sheen, and the belly is whitish. The dorsal fin begins in front of the fish's pelvic fins. It has large scales that resemble a chain link fence. There are no teeth in the grass carp's jaw but it does have pharyngeal teeth.
GRASS CARP
Barbus barbus
Barbel are perhaps the most highly regarded of all river coarse fish, and for many anglers the pursuit of this species becomes an obsession. It is little wonder, as the barbel is the hardest fighting fish found in SA waters, known as the "kings of the river" they shoot off upstream when hooked, using pure muscle power in the swift current to create a charging fight which will leave you breathless or fishless. For this reason special consideration must be given to tackling up when targeting this species. As for there is no doubt that the barbel is the hardest-fighting coarse fish in the river. What's more, they grow big.
BABER
Labeobarbus aeneus
Occurs in impoundments and rivers. Prefers clear-flowing waters over sandy or rocky substrates. An omnivorous bottom feeder. Diet includes water fleas, snails, plankton, small mussels, insects, small fish, algae and detritus. Breeds in spring through to midsummer after the first substantial rains of the season. Migrates upstream to spawn over suitable gravel beds
CLANWILLIAM YELLOWFISH
Labeobarbus natalensis
Occurs in shoals and migrates upstream during spring and summer. Prefers warmer areas of rivers and often congregate at the inlets of small tributaries where the temperature is warmer than that of the main river. Feeds on algae, insect larvae and crabs. Spawns in fast-flowing stretches of rivers that are algae-free. Breeds in summer, migrates upstream and spawns over gravel beds. Males mature at about 10 cm FL, females at 15 cm
KWAZULU-NATAL YELLOWFISH
Labeobarbus kimberleyensis
Is the largest scale-bearing indigenous fish species in southern Africa. Adults prefer flowing water in deep channels or below rapids, but the species does well in dams. Mainly a predator, initially taking insects and small crustaceans but piscivore above 30 cm. Breeds in mid-summer to late summer over gravel beds in running water. May live for 12 or more years.
LARGE MOUTH YELLOWFISH
Barbus altianalis, Labeobarbus marequensis
Prefers flowing waters of perennial rivers. Uncommon in dams. Feeds on a wide variety of food items, primarily algae and aquatic insect larvae; also takes small fishes, snails, freshwater mussels and drifting organisms such as beetles and ants. Breeds in spring and summer, migrating upstream in rain swollen rivers to spawn in rapids. Males mature at 70 cm , females mature at 28 cm. Occurs with the small-scale yellowfish in many Transvaal rivers
LARGE SCALE YELLOWFISH
Labeobarbus aeneus
Occurs in impoundments and rivers. Prefers clear-flowing waters over sandy or rocky substrates. An omnivorous bottom feeder. Diet includes water fleas, snails, plankton, small mussels, insects, small fish, algae and detritus. Breeds in spring through to midsummer after the first substantial rains of the season. Migrates upstream to spawn over suitable gravel beds
SMALL MOUTH YELLOWFISH
Labeobarbus polylepis
A cool water species not found below 600 m altitude. Occurs in deep pools and flowing waters of permanent rivers and in dams. Feeds mainly on algae (winter months), but also takes mussels, snails, crabs and small fish. Breeds during spring and summer, males maturing at a smaller size 17 cm than females 30 cm . Females grow larger than males.
SMALL SCALE YELLOWFISH
Oreochromis andersonii
Occurs in both river and swamp habitats and is adapted to fairly fast-flowing rivers. Forms schools. Is mainly diurnal. A detritivore which feeds on fine particulate matter. Feeding regime is variable, the diet changes according to food availability.
THREESPOT CURPER
Oreochromis aureus
Body shape quite variable, mostly moderately deep and compressed. A nostril on each side of head. Interrupted lateral line in most species. Scales in lateral lines may be over 100, usually 20-50. Dorsal fin usually with 7-25 spines and 5-30 soft rays. Spines in anal fin 3-15 (generally 3); soft rays 4-15 (a few with 30). Subocular shelf absent. Breeding activities highly organized. Parental care in 3 forms: mouthbrooding, substratebrooding, and substratebrooding of eggs then mouthbrooding of young..
BLUE CURPER
Chetia flaviventris
Occurs in larger intermittent tributaries. Prefers standing or slow-flowing pools and thrives in impounded waters. Feeds on invertebrates and small fish. Breeds in summer, the female mouth brooding the eggs and larvae
CANARY CURPER
Hemihaplochromis philander
The Dwarf Kurper is an excellent "fodder fish: for Bass, especially in the first year of life of a young Bass. Dwarf Kurper breed prolifically like the other Kurper species, but rarely exceed a length of 10 - 12cm. Individual life-span would probably run no longer than 4 years. They will never compete with Bass
DWARF CURPER
Tilapia rendalli
Prefers quiet, well-vegetated water along river littorals or backwaters, floodplains and swamps. Tolerant of a wide range of temperature (8-41¦C) and salinity to 19 ppt . Forms schools; is mainly diurnal. Juveniles feed on plankton. Adults feed mainly on higher plants and also algae, insects and crustaceans. Makes excellent eating
RED BREASTED CURPER
Anguilla mossambica / Anguilla obscura
Found in large turbid rivers and small creeks . Occurs both in running and stagnant waters . Feeds mainly on fishes, crustaceans and mollusks
EEL
Barbus paludinosus
Hardy, prefers quiet, well-vegetated waters in lakes, swamps, and marshes or marginal areas of larger rivers and slow-flowing streams. Feeds on a wide variety of small organisms including insects, small snails and crustaceans, algae, diatoms, and detritus. Is preyed upon by the sharptooth catfish, tigerfish, largemouth breams ( Serranochromis species) and birds. Spawns amongst vegetation during summer.
GHIELEMIENTJIE
Labeo umbratus
Occurring within the drainage basin of the Orange river and in southern watersheds of the Cape region. There are records of Labeo umbratus from the Olifant's river (Limpopo system) where it has been introduced by anglers. Has also been translocated in the Olifants-Limpopo system in Transvaal (Ref. 7248)
MOGGEL
Labeo capensis
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 (Ref. 6465). 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.
MUDFISH
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus salmoides has a large mouth, a notch between the two dorsal fins, and a dark stripe along the side of the body. This black band is seemingly made up of small oval shapes to a closer eye. Coloration is variable, but is usually a darkish green on the back and sides, fading to an off-white on the belly. The anterior dorsal fin has nine to eleven spines while the posterior dorsal fin has twelve to fourteen rays. The average weight of M. salmoides is one kilogram; however, certain individuals have reached weights of over ten kilograms. Males usually do not surpass 40 cm, while females can reach up to 56 cm in length.
LARGE MOUTH BASS
Micropterus dolomieu
Like all other species of the genus Micropterus, the smallmouth bass has a moderately compressed, elongate body. There are 3 spines in the anal fin, and 9-11 spines in the dorsal fin. Body is olive green above, yellow-white below, typically with 8-16 dark brown vertical bars on the side. The mouth is large, with the posterior edge of the maxilla extending to beneath the eye. Similar species include M. salmoides, M. punculatus, and M. coosae. Average adult length ranges from 30-50 cm (15-20 in). Some populations have small tooth patches on the tongue .
SMALL MOUTH BASS
Micropterus punctulatus
Anal spines at least 3. Pseudobranch small and hidden. Branchiostegal rays 5-7. Separate gill membranes. To about 83 cm maximum length (reported for Micropterus salmoides). Mostly nest builders. Nest building and guarding done by the male. Valued as sports fish and used in physiological and ecological experiments. Introduced into many areas outside native range.
SPOTTED BASS
Oncorhynchus Mykiss
Rainbow trout possess the well-known streamlined shape, although body shape and coloration can vary widely and reflect habitat, age, sex, and degree of maturity. The body shape may range from slender to thick. The back may shade from blue-green to olive. There is a reddish-pink band along each side about the midline that may range from faint to radiant. The lower sides are usually silver, fading to pure white beneath. Small black spots are present over the back above the lateral line, as well as on the upper fins and tail. River or stream residents normally display the most intense pink stripe coloration and heaviest spotting followed by rainbows from lake and lake-stream systems. Spawning trout are characterized by generally darker coloration
RAINBOW TROUT
Salmo Trutta
Eyes moderate sized, jaw extends behind orbit when closed, gill openings large. Lower jaw of mature males becomes large and hooked. Colour varies with age and water conditions but hallmark features are large brown and red spots on the sides and upper surfaces of head and body. Dorsal and adipose fins spotted, caudal fin largely without spots, apart from the upper and lower rays. In streams the coloring is a light brown with silvery sides and pronounced black spots on the back whereas in large lakes or in the sea the overall coloration tends to be more silvery. In spite of the strict requirements the brown trout is still one of the most adaptable. It can survive in fresh water, estuaries and the sea. Also like salmon the brown trout can migrate to the sea.
BROWN TROUT
Hydrocynus Vittatus
Tiger Fish are related to the South American Piranha and just one look at their vicious teeth, leaves you in no doubt that they are savage predators. For sheer sport on light tackle a Tiger takes a lot of beating. Not only is the tiger a beautiful fish, but its ferocious elegance will get any angler's adrenaline going, few fish have such a fierce fighting energy.
6.6 - 6 votes
