Labeo

Labeo is a genus of fish in the family Cyprinidae, the family of carps and barbs. They are found in freshwater habitats in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. It contains the typical labeos in the subfamily Labeoninae (alternatively, the tribe Labeonini or subtribe Labeoina, if subsumed into Cyprininae).

==Description== The labeos appear fairly similar to the "freshwater sharks" of the genus Epalzeorhynchos, which is also part of the same clade though not very closely related; labeos are larger, and have a more spindle-shaped body, as they are mostly free-swimming rather than the benthic Epalzeorhynchos. Their mouths are distinct as well; labeos have a pronounced rostral cap, which covers the upper lip except when feeding. The genus name Labeo is Latin for "one who has large lips"; their lips are expanded into thick, sausage-shaped pads which have keratinized edges. Thus, their mouth parts are moderately apomorphic; not as little-developed as in barbs or in Epalzeorhynchos, but neither as extensive as in, for example, Garra or Ptychidio.