 It was initially placed in the genus "Barbus" but is now classified as a "Labeobarbus" species.It might be able to hybridize with "L. ruwenzorii", and it might be a senior synonym of "L. mirabilis".In Tanzania, it has been recorded at high altitudes in the headwaters of rivers including the Victoria River, Tanganyika River, Kagera River, and the Malagarasi River.