[3] All of these populations are becoming rare due to habitat destruction and the impact of invasive species especially exotic bass of the genus Micropterus.

[1] Pseudobarbus afer prefers clear rocky pools in the rivers it inhabits.

It was formerly common and widely distributed, but Pseudobarbus afer sensu lato has undergone steep declines in both abundance and range, a primary cause being the introduction of exotic fish species which compete with these fish and also predate them.

Other threats include deterioration of water quality and the degradation of habitat.

These fish are omnivorous, bottom feeders which eat algae and prey on small invertebrates.