Home · Cyprinidae · Baudon's barb
Baudon's barb (Enteromius baudoni) — Cyprinidae

Baudon's barb

Enteromius baudoni
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Baudon's barb (Enteromius baudoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West and Central Africa; streams, rivers and swamps.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Baudon's barb is a small African barb (Cyprinidae) from West and Central Africa. The species is small and silvery with short barbels at the mouth. It is widespread and inhabits various streams, rivers and swamps, often near the bottom and among vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and plant matter. It lives in schools and is a prey fish for larger species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Baudon's barb?

The Baudon's barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Widespread, small schooling barb of West and Central Africa.

Where does the Baudon's barb live?

The Baudon's barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West and Central Africa; streams, rivers and swamps.

How big does the Baudon's barb get?

The Baudon's barb grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Baudon's barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Baudon's barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Baudon's barb edible?

The Baudon's barb is rarely eaten.

More photos

Baudon's barb (Enteromius baudoni) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Baudon's barb (Enteromius baudoni) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Baudon's barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius baudoni
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.3 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
West and Central Africa; streams, rivers and swamps. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Large 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
Widespread, small schooling barb of West and Central Africa. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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