Home · Cyprinidae · Caucasian scraper
Caucasian scraper (Capoeta capoeta) — Cyprinidae

Caucasian scraper

Capoeta capoeta
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Caucasian scraper (Capoeta capoeta) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Transcaucasian barb is a cyprinid from West Asia, including the Caspian Sea drainage and adjacent areas. The species grows to about 41 cm and has a streamlined body with an inferior, leathery mouth with a horny edge. It inhabits mainly the drier regions and the upper reaches of mountain rivers and lakes. With its scraping lower mouth it grazes algae, periphyton and growth from stones, supplemented with small invertebrates and detritus. The species is a locally important food fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Caucasian scraper?

The Caucasian scraper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Caucasian scraper live?

The Caucasian scraper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Caucasian scraper get?

The Caucasian scraper grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Caucasian scraper dangerous to humans?

No, the Caucasian scraper is harmless to humans.

Is the Caucasian scraper edible?

Yes, the Caucasian scraper is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Transkaukasische barbeel sourced
English name
Caucasian scraper verified
Scientific name
Capoeta capoeta
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Seven khramulya; Transcaucasian barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Capoeta

More from the family Cyprinidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →