Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred minnow (Opsaridium zambezense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
Opsaridium zambezense is a slender African cyprinid from the Zambezi drainage and adjacent waters in southern Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a few dark cross-bars and reaches about 12 cm. It prefers clear, flowing sections of larger, perennial rivers and often frequents pools below rocky rapids, but also calm, vegetated water. The species lives in schools over sandy bottoms and feeds on aquatic larvae, insects, shrimps and small crustaceans. It spawns in spring and summer and is of limited local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred minnow?
The Barred minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender schooling fish with narrow dark vertical bars; inhabitant of flowing rivers.
Where does the Barred minnow live?
The Barred minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. The Zambezi river basin and adjacent rivers in southern Africa.
How big does the Barred minnow get?
The Barred minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Barred minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred minnow is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barred minnow edible?
The Barred minnow is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opsaridium
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.