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Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) — Cyprinidae

Denticulate barb

Spinibarbus denticulatus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
41.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern China and northern Vietnam
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The denticulate barb is a large cyprinid from fresh water of southern China and northern Vietnam. The species grows to about 42 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales, barbels and a strong, denticulate spine before the dorsal fin. As a bottom-feeder it lives in flowing rivers and lakes and feeds on invertebrates, algae, plant matter and detritus. It is a valued food and farmed fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Denticulate barb?

The Denticulate barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large scales, barbels and a toothed dorsal spine; bottom-foraging barbel

Where does the Denticulate barb live?

The Denticulate barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern China and northern Vietnam

How big does the Denticulate barb get?

The Denticulate barb grows to a maximum of about 42 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.

Is the Denticulate barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Denticulate 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.

Is the Denticulate barb edible?

Yes, the Denticulate barb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) nectocotis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) satellitewu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Mario Aliana Pedrosa, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Denticulate barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) ingester, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Denticulate barb verified
Scientific name
Spinibarbus denticulatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.5 verified
Average length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern China and northern Vietnam verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae, plant material and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Bottom-foraging river barbel; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Large scales, barbels and a toothed dorsal spine; bottom-foraging barbel sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Nets and angling sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Spinibarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

Fin

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