Home · Cyprinidae · Spottail barb
Spottail barb (Enteromius afrovernayi) — Cyprinidae

Spottail barb

Enteromius afrovernayi
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
5.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Enteromius afrovernayi is a small African barb (family Cyprinidae) of southern Africa. The species reaches only about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a dark spot on the caudal peduncle and short barbels. It lives in quiet, well-vegetated waters and feeds from the surface and on small invertebrates living on plant surfaces. The species requires well-oxygenated water and is seldom found in small, low-oxygen pools. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spottail barb?

The Spottail barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Spottail barb live?

The Spottail barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Spottail barb get?

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

Is the Spottail barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Spottail barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Spottail barb edible?

The Spottail barb is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vlekstaart-barbeel sourced
English name
Spottail barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius afrovernayi
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Spottail barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →