Raiamas labiosa

Raiamas labiosa is a fast-swimming, predatory cyprinid from rivers of East Africa, related to the more familiar Raiamas senegalensis. It has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a metallic silver sheen and displays the bold lateral markings characteristic of the genus. As an active predator, it should not be kept with fish small enough to be swallowed — suitable tankmates are robust, similarly-sized African species such as medium barbs and large tetras. In the aquarium it requires a spacious, well-filtered tank of at least 120 L with a strong current and high dissolved oxygen. Feeding includes meaty items: frozen bloodworm, prawns, whitebait, and meaty sinking pellets are all accepted. The tank must be very securely covered as it is an extremely fast and capable jumper.

Water: Temperature 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15; strong filtration; good water movement. Tank: 120 L minimum; open-water layout; very secure lid; minimal fine plants. Feeding: Meaty frozen foods — bloodworm, prawn, whitebait; meaty pellets; carnivore-oriented diet. Breeding: Rarely bred in captivity; egg-scatterer in large rivers. Compatibility: Predatory; keep only with robust, similarly-sized fish; will eat smaller companions.