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Cercops barb (Enteromius cercops) — Cyprinidae

Cercops barb

Enteromius cercops
Family: Cyprinidae

The Cercops barb (Enteromius cercops) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Cercops barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of East Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body with fine dark spots and small barbels around the mouth. As a schooling fish it swims in clear streams, rivers and pools and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cercops barb?

The Cercops barb is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Cercops barb live?

The Cercops barb is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Cercops barb get?

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

Is the Cercops barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Cercops barb is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Cercops-barbeel sourced
English name
Cercops barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius cercops
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

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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