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Dwarf barb (Enteromius candens) — Cyprinidae

Dwarf barb

Enteromius candens
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf barb (Enteromius candens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Vegetated streams and swamps of Central and East Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Enteromius candens is a very small barb of the family Cyprinidae from fresh water of Central and East Africa. The species reaches only about 2.6 cm, making it one of the smallest African barbs. It has a streamlined, silvery body with short barbels and inhabits vegetated streams and swamps. As a small omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. Owing to its minute size the species is mainly a prey for larger fishes and has no fishery value; it is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of small African freshwater habitats.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf barb?

The Dwarf barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. One of the smallest African barbs (only ~2.6 cm).

Where does the Dwarf barb live?

The Dwarf barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Vegetated streams and swamps of Central and East Africa.

How big does the Dwarf barb get?

The Dwarf barb grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Dwarf barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf 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 Dwarf barb edible?

The Dwarf barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius candens
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Vegetated streams and swamps of Central and East Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
One of the smallest African barbs (only ~2.6 cm). sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
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

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