Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 67 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in clear rivers and lakes with gravel and stone bottoms.
Description
The barbel steed is a robust, elongate cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 67 cm. The silvery-grey body has a large head with thick lips, an inferior mouth and a barbel at the corner of the mouth, with which the fish probes the bottom. The species comes from East Asia and lives in schools in clear rivers and lakes with gravel and stone bottoms. On the bottom it searches for insect larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and worms. In spring it spawns on gravel bars. With its solid size and tasty flesh the barbel steed is a valued sport and food fish across much of East Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel steed?
The Barbel steed has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Large, elongated cyprinid with a big head, thick lips and one barbel; a bottom-oriented river fish.
Where does the Barbel steed live?
The Barbel steed lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in clear rivers and lakes with gravel and stone bottoms.
How big does the Barbel steed get?
The Barbel steed grows to a maximum of about 67 cm. On average the species is around 33 cm.
Is the Barbel steed dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbel steed is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barbel steed edible?
Yes, the Barbel steed is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemibarbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel steed?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel steed is one of 12,519 species in the app.