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Bawku barb (Enteromius bawkuensis) — Cyprinidae

Bawku barb

Enteromius bawkuensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bawku barb (Enteromius bawkuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Bawku barb is a small African minnow from fresh water of West Africa, including the Volta basin. The species reaches only about 3 cm and has a slender, silvery body with fine markings and barbels. It swims in small groups in clear streams, pools and marshes and feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bawku barb?

The Bawku barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender silvery body with barbels; small schooling barb

Where does the Bawku barb live?

The Bawku barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa

How big does the Bawku barb get?

The Bawku barb grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Bawku barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Bawku barb 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 Bawku barb edible?

The Bawku barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bawku barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius bawkuensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
West Africa verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Small schooling stream barb; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Slender silvery body with barbels; small schooling barb sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

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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