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Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) — Cyprinidae

Bulu barb

Puntioplites bulu
Family: Cyprinidae

The Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 44 cm.

Length
44.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Bulu barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from large rivers of Sundaland and the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 44 cm and has a deep, bright-silvery, laterally compressed body with a strengthened, serrated leading dorsal-fin ray. As a schooling fish it migrates through open river water and eats plant material, algae, small invertebrates and detritus. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bulu barb?

The Bulu barb has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bulu barb live?

The Bulu barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Bulu barb get?

The Bulu barb grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.

Is the Bulu barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Bulu 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 Bulu barb edible?

Yes, the Bulu barb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) hisyam1407, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Rafael Abizar, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) — Cyprinidae — 4
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Bulu barb (Puntioplites bulu) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Muhammad Iqbal, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bulu barb sourced
Scientific name
Puntioplites bulu
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
44.3 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand 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
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 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 Puntioplites

More from the family Cyprinidae

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