Fin's Fish Guide
The Dazzling barb (Enteromius ablabes) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of West Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The dazzling barb is a small, slender and silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 10 cm. The body is silvery with a golden sheen and bears fine barbels around the mouth. The species lives in schools in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant water plants in West Africa. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus, taken in the water column and from the bottom. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins, where the young grow up quickly. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and waterbirds and a link in the food web of West African waters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dazzling barb?
The Dazzling barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, slender, silvery African barb with small barbels around the mouth and a golden sheen.
Where does the Dazzling barb live?
The Dazzling barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of West Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Dazzling barb get?
The Dazzling barb grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Dazzling barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Dazzling barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dazzling barb edible?
The Dazzling 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
Want the complete picture on the Dazzling barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dazzling barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.