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Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) — Cyprinidae

Baringo barb

Labeobarbus intermedius
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 49 cm.

Length
48.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
East Africa; lakes and rivers of the Ethiopian highlands and the Nile.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The intermediate yellowfish is an African large-scaled barb (Cyprinidae) from East Africa, including the lakes and rivers of the Ethiopian highlands and the Nile. The species grows to about 49 cm and has a torpedo-shaped, silvery body with large scales and, characteristic of the genus, barbels at the mouth. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for algae, detritus, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The intermediate yellowfish shows much shape variation and is of local fishery importance. It has a single continuous dorsal fin and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Baringo barb?

The Baringo barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large-scaled barbel with barbels and much variation in shape; bottom-oriented omnivore.

Where does the Baringo barb live?

The Baringo barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa; lakes and rivers of the Ethiopian highlands and the Nile.

How big does the Baringo barb get?

The Baringo barb grows to a maximum of about 49 cm.

Is the Baringo barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Baringo barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Baringo barb edible?

Yes, the Baringo barb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) A. Geremew, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) — Cyprinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Simagegnew Melaku, Abebe Getahun, Mulugeta Wakjira (CC BY 4.0)
Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) — Cyprinidae — 4
Kai Borckenhagen (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — NHMUK
Baringo barb (Labeobarbus intermedius) — Cyprinidae — 5
Kai Borckenhagen (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — NHMUK
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Baringo barb verified
Scientific name
Labeobarbus intermedius
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Ethiopia barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
East Africa; lakes and rivers of the Ethiopian highlands and the Nile. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, detritus, insect larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large-scaled barbel with barbels and much variation in shape; bottom-oriented omnivore. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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