Lesotho’s rivers, streams and highland reservoirs host a compact, distinctive freshwater fauna shaped by altitude, flow and seasonal variation. The country’s waterbodies are smaller and colder than lowland systems, so the fish community reflects those constraints and the places people go to fish, study or watch wildlife.
There are 8 Fish of Lesotho, ranging from African sharptooth catfish to Straightfin barb. For each species you’ll find the following columns: Scientific name, Typical adult length (cm), and Status in Lesotho — details you’ll find below.
Where in Lesotho are these fish most likely to be found?
Most species occur in perennial rivers, tributary streams and larger reservoirs; barbs and small cyprinids prefer flowing headwaters and pools, while species like the African sharptooth catfish are more often recorded in slower stretches and impoundments. Seasonal changes matter, so look to deeper pools and dams in the dry season and broader river reaches after rains.
Do any of the listed species require special protection or management?
Check the “Status in Lesotho” column for each species — some are widespread while others have limited or declining populations. Management typically focuses on water quality, habitat connectivity and controlling non-native introductions; contact local conservation authorities for current protections and guidance.
Fish of Lesotho
| Name | Scientific name | Typical adult length (cm) | Status in Lesotho |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown trout | Salmo trutta | 40 | Introduced; established in highland streams and reservoirs |
| Rainbow trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss | 40 | Introduced; established in stocked streams and dams |
| Common carp | Cyprinus carpio | 50 | Introduced; established in reservoirs and slow river stretches |
| African sharptooth catfish | Clarias gariepinus | 100 | Native to Orange catchment; recorded in lower Senqu reaches |
| Smallmouth yellowfish | Labeobarbus aeneus | 45 | Native; part of Orange (Senqu) river fauna |
| Labeo (Cape labeo) | Labeo capensis | 30 | Native; recorded in Senqu tributaries and mid‑reaches |
| Chubbyhead barb | Enteromius anoplus | 12 | Native; common in upland streams and tributaries |
| Straightfin barb | Enteromius paludinosus | 15 | Native; widespread in slower waters and impoundments |
Images and Descriptions
Brown trout
Cold‑water trout introduced for angling, now established in Katse, Mohale and high Senqu tributaries. Popular with fly anglers, preys on aquatic insects and small fish; conservation focused on habitat protection and invasive impacts.
Rainbow trout
Stocked rainbow trout occur in highland streams and reservoirs used for recreational fishing. Hardy, colorful sportfish often raised for put‑and‑take angling; survives in cooler waters of Lesotho’s mountains and regulated dams.
Common carp
Widespread invasive in many African impoundments, carp occupy slower reaches and reservoirs in the Senqu system. Large, benthic feeder that can alter habitat and vegetation; often found in lowland, warmer waters near dams.
African sharptooth catfish
Large, resilient predator occupying warmer, slow reaches and floodplain pools of the Orange/Senqu system. Air‑breathing catfish can move between waters, valued locally as food but can impact smaller fish populations.
Smallmouth yellowfish
A strong, deep‑bodied yellowfish found in deeper pools and runs of the Senqu and larger tributaries. Sought by anglers for sport and prized in river fisheries; indicators of river health upstream and downstream.
Labeo (Cape labeo)
Herbivorous labeo inhabiting rocky runs and pools of highland rivers. Often grazes on algae and detritus; contributes to river ecosystem functioning and is part of native fish assemblages in Lesotho.
Chubbyhead barb
Small schooling barb of cool, clear upland streams and headwaters. Common and adaptable, it forms the base of food webs and is often encountered by anglers and researchers in Lesotho’s mountain streams.
Straightfin barb
Small, tolerant barb found in slower river stretches, pools and reservoirs. Often occupies disturbed or modified habitats and coexists with introduced species, serving as forage for larger native and introduced predators.
