Fin's Fish Guide
The Buyr sawbelly (Hemiculter leucisculus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 29 cm.
Description
The sharpbelly is an East Asian cyprinid widely distributed in streams and reservoirs. The species grows to about 29 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body with a sharp, keeled belly, to which its name refers, and an upward-pointing mouth. It lives in schools and is an omnivore: the diet consists mainly of zooplankton, insects, crustaceans, algae and detritus. In China the species is very abundant and is canned, but elsewhere the bony, unpalatable flesh is less valued. The species is locally established outside its original range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Buyr sawbelly?
The Buyr sawbelly has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sharp, keeled belly and a superior mouth; numerous in China and canned.
Where does the Buyr sawbelly live?
The Buyr sawbelly lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia; streams and reservoirs of China and surrounding countries.
How big does the Buyr sawbelly get?
The Buyr sawbelly grows to a maximum of about 29 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Buyr sawbelly dangerous to humans?
No, the Buyr sawbelly is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Buyr sawbelly edible?
The Buyr sawbelly is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Buyr sawbelly?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Buyr sawbelly is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemiculter
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Buyr sawbelly?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Buyr sawbelly is one of 12,519 species in the app.