Labeo

The labeos appear fairly similar to the "freshwater sharks" of the genus Epalzeorhynchos, which is also part of the same clade though not very closely related; labeos are larger, and have a more spindle-shaped body, as they are mostly free-swimming rather than the benthic Epalzeorhynchos. Their mouths are distinct as well; labeos have a pronounced rostral cap, which covers the upper lip except when feeding.^{[verification needed][2]} The genus name Labeo is Latin for "one who has large lips";^[3] their lips are expanded into thick, sausage-shaped pads which have keratinized edges. Thus, their mouth parts are moderately apomorphic; not as little-developed as in barbs or in Epalzeorhynchos, but neither as extensive as in, for example, Garra or Ptychidio.^[2]

Labeos have a pair of barbels on the rostrum or snout and another pair at the rear edges of the lower maxilla, which has been lost in some of their relatives; this feature is common among the Cyprinidae. They have a well-developed vomeropalatine organ.^{[clarification needed]} In the Weberian apparatus, the posterior supraneural bone is elongated and contacts the skull at the forward end.^[2]