| Name | Lowveld Largescale Yellowfish, also known as: Grootskubgeelvis |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Labeobarbus Marequensis |
| Description | The pectoral fin of the Largescale Yellowfish starts in front of the pelvic fins and the scales of the fish is as the name suggests large. The mouth is set slightly below the nose. This fish also has 2 pairs of barbs or feelers next to it's mouth. The colour of the fish can be from a light olive green to dark golden yellow. |
| Weight | This yellowfish grows to a size of 50cm |
| Length | Average weight of this yellowfish can go up to 6 kilograms. |
| Habitat | Largescale Yellowfish are found in the Northern flowing rivers in Gauteng and the Northwest Provinces. Also in the middle and lower reaches of the Zambezi and Phongola river systems. This fish can be found in streams or at the top of waterholes in rivers. Sandbanks and gullies are also a good place to look for these fish. If there is an island inside the river it is best to look for these fish at the bottom side of the direction of the stream. |
| Fishing Strategy | Yellowfish are wary...if the water is clear, keep a low profile.Catching large or smallscale yellows is no easy feat...expect to battle to induce a take. Be very careful and on high alert to detect takes. Takes can be subtle, concentration is key. Always de-barb your flies. It's easier to remove them from the fish's mouth and your skin. (in case of a miss- timed cast!) Try not to handle the fish too much, and do not keep them out of the water for longer than 5 seconds.Use a soft mesh net, with no knots. Always wet your hands before handling a fish...your hands can remove their protective mucous on their skins. Insects and other fleshy baits are good to use. Flying ants, small crabs, frogs platannas and small bait fish like ghieliemientjies, worms can also be used and artlure in the form of fly fishing is commonly used. |
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