Purple labeo - Labeo congoro

Scientific name: Labeo congoro

Common name: Purple labeo

Family: Cyprinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 39 - 42 cm (15.35 - 16.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 12 - 23°N (214.29 - 410.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Purple labeo (Labeo congoro) is a large, riverine cyprinid and powerful algae/periphyton grazer. It is not a Lake Tanganyika species; in nature it inhabits fast-flowing rivers and floodplains of southern Africa (e.g., the Zambezi, Okavango, Cunene/Kunene and associated tributaries). Reaching 39–42 cm (and larger in the wild), it is unsuitable for small aquaria and demands a long, high-flow tank with excellent oxygenation and filtration.

Origin

Africa — widespread in southern African drainages, especially large river systems with seasonal flow changes, sand/gravel runs and rocky stretches with biofilm growth.

Food and feeding

A natural periphyton/aufwuchs grazer that scrapes algae, diatoms and associated micro-invertebrates from hard surfaces. In the aquarium, provide a vegetable-forward diet (spirulina pellets/wafers, quality herbivore flakes) plus blanched greens (lettuce, spinach, peas, zucchini). Supplement sparingly with protein (e.g., mysis, krill, bloodworms) to avoid fatty buildup; frequent small feedings help maintain condition without polluting the water.

Sexing

No reliable external differences in non-breeding fish; mature females may appear fuller when ripe. Visual sexing is difficult outside of spawning condition.

Breeding

No confirmed home-aquarium spawnings. Like other large river cyprinids, it is believed to be a migratory spawner with seasonal cues (flow, temperature, photoperiod). Commercial or research breeding typically requires hormone induction and ample running water.

Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years with robust filtration, high oxygen and low nitrate; longevity declines in cramped or low-flow setups.

Behavior & compatibility

Territorial, especially toward conspecifics and similarly shaped algae grazers. Keep a single specimen unless the tank is very large with broken sightlines. May harass smaller fish; choose sturdy, fast midwater tankmates that tolerate current. Avoid slow, long-finned or timid species.

Tank requirements

Tank size: very large footprint (minimum 500–700 L for one adult; more for communities). Long tanks are critical.
Hardscape: smooth rock, rounded gravel/sand, and robust décor for algae growth; leave open runways for cruising.
Flow & oxygen: moderate to strong current (river manifold/powerheads) and vigorous surface agitation; they are heavy oxygen consumers.
Water: pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 22–27 °C; keep nitrate low (<20 mg/L).
Filtration: oversized bio-mechanical filtration; plan for heavy waste and strong appetite.

Care notes

Acclimate carefully and provide algae-coated surfaces to graze. Offer more cover than you think you need to reduce pacing and territorial lunges. If aggression spikes, re-scape to reset territories. Purple labeo is a high-maintenance, large-river fish not intended for standard home tanks.