Fin's Fish Guide
The Carpathian barbel (Barbus carpathicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Fresh water of the Danube basin in the Carpathians (Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania); fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with a gravel and stony bottom.
Description
The carpathian barbel is an elongate cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 27 cm. The yellow-brown body is often covered with dark speckles; the inferior mouth carries four barbels and thick lips, with which the fish probes the bottom. The species is adapted to cool, flowing water and lives on gravel and stone bottoms of the upper and middle reaches of rivers. The species is a typical inhabitant of the cool, fast-flowing barbel zone. As an omnivore it seeks insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and some plant material. In late spring and summer it spawns upstream on gravel. Like other barbels the roe and its membrane are mildly toxic in the spawning season and can cause stomach upset; the flesh itself is safe.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Carpathian barbel?
The Carpathian barbel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Oblong barbel with four barbels and thick lips around an inferior mouth; adapted to flowing water.
Where does the Carpathian barbel live?
The Carpathian barbel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of the Danube basin in the Carpathians (Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania); fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with a gravel and stony bottom.
How big does the Carpathian barbel get?
The Carpathian barbel grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Carpathian barbel dangerous to humans?
No, the Carpathian barbel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Carpathian barbel edible?
The Carpathian barbel is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Barbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Carpathian barbel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Carpathian barbel is one of 12,519 species in the app.