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Clipper barb (Enteromius callipterus) — Cyprinidae

Clipper barb

Enteromius callipterus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Clipper barb (Enteromius callipterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

Description

Enteromius callipterus, the clipper barb, is a small barb of the family Cyprinidae from West and Central Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a conspicuous dark spot on the dorsal fin, by which it is easily recognised in the field, and bears short barbels. It grows to only a few centimetres and inhabits vegetated streams and rivers, where it lives in small groups near the bottom. It is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value but is sometimes found in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Clipper barb?

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

Where does the Clipper barb live?

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

How big does the Clipper barb get?

The Clipper barb grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Clipper barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Clipper barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Clipper barb edible?

The Clipper barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Klipper-barbeel sourced
English name
Clipper barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius callipterus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Congo barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots 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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