Fin's Fish Guide
The Dashtail barb (Enteromius poechii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Southern Africa; river and floodplain habitats of the Okavango and Zambezi basins.
Description
The dashtail barb is a small African cyprinid from southern Africa, including the Okavango and Zambezi drainages. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a slender, silvery body with fine dashes along the scale rows and a spot on the tail base. It is common in riverine and floodplain habitats, often together with other striped barbs. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. It is a schooling fish that stays among vegetation. The species is an important prey fish and is eaten locally. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dashtail barb?
The Dashtail barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Fine lines along the scale rows and a blotch at the caudal base; common prey fish of floodplains.
Where does the Dashtail barb live?
The Dashtail barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa; river and floodplain habitats of the Okavango and Zambezi basins.
How big does the Dashtail barb get?
The Dashtail barb grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Dashtail barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Dashtail barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dashtail barb edible?
The Dashtail barb is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enteromius
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dashtail barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.