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Deepwater barb (Enteromius profundus) — Cyprinidae

Deepwater barb

Enteromius profundus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Deepwater barb (Enteromius profundus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
18.0–65.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The Deepwater barb is a small African barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and pools of the lakes of Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a dark longitudinal stripe or spots, and short barbels. As a social schooling fish it swims in clear water and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepwater barb?

The Deepwater barb has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Deepwater barb live?

The Deepwater barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Deepwater barb get?

The Deepwater barb grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Deepwater barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepwater barb is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deepwater barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius profundus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
18.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Uganda, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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