Labeo

Labeo is a genus of freshwater fish, family Cyprinidae, comprising more than 140 recognized species, native to freshwater habitats in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. The genus name derives from Latin for one who has large lips, referencing a pronounced rostral cap that covers the upper lip when the fish is not feeding and expanded lips forming thick, sausage-shaped pads with keratinized edges, a mouth structure more specialized than related barb genera; members also have a pair of barbels on the snout and another pair at the rear edges of the lower jaw, and a spindle-shaped body suited to free swimming rather than a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. Economically important species include the rohu, Labeo rohita, and the catla, Labeo catla, both major aquaculture and food fish in South Asia, and the orangefin labeo, Labeo calbasu.