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Aspilus barb (Enteromius aspilus) — Cyprinidae

Aspilus barb

Enteromius aspilus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Aspilus barb (Enteromius aspilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Enteromius aspilus is a small African barb of the family Cyprinidae from fresh water in West and Central Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with short barbels and reaches about 13 cm. It inhabits vegetated streams and rivers and lives in small groups near the bottom. It is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Because of its small size the species has no fishery value. Little detailed information is available on its precise reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aspilus barb?

The Aspilus barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Aspilus barb live?

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

How big does the Aspilus barb get?

The Aspilus barb grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Aspilus barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Aspilus barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Aspilus barb edible?

The Aspilus barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Aspilus-barbeel sourced
English name
Aspilus barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius aspilus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups 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

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