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Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) — Cyprinidae

Bellcross barb

Clypeobarbus bellcrossi
Family: Cyprinidae

The Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp, Namibia, Zambia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Bellcross barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of rivers in southern Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny flank and small barbels. As a schooling fish it swims in clear, flowing rivers and pools and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bellcross barb?

The Bellcross barb has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bellcross barb live?

The Bellcross barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp, Namibia, Zambia

How big does the Bellcross barb get?

The Bellcross barb grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Bellcross barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Bellcross 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 Bellcross barb edible?

Yes, the Bellcross barb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) — Cyprinidae — 2
R. Bills (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) — Cyprinidae — 3
R. Bills (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Bart Wursten, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bellcross barb (Clypeobarbus bellcrossi) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bellcross barb sourced
Scientific name
Clypeobarbus bellcrossi
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Gorgeous barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Congo Dem Rp, Namibia, Zambia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified
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 Clypeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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