 Overfishing may also be a threat, although the species is still common and can be present in large shoals, and there is no data to support a decline in the stock.It can grow up to 60 cm in total length.This species is distinguished from similar species of African cyprinids by having a horny rim to its lower lip and a larger number of lateral line scales, "Acapoeta" having 62–72 lateral line scales compared to 21–44 in "Labeobarbus" species.