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Gillbar barb (Enteromius kessleri) — Cyprinidae

Gillbar barb

Enteromius kessleri
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Gillbar barb (Enteromius kessleri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

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

Description

Enteromius kessleri is a small barb of the family Cyprinidae from fresh water of West and Central Africa. The species has an elongate, silvery body with short barbels and reaches about 8 cm. It inhabits vegetated streams and rivers and lives in small groups near the bottom. As a small omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae and algae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of African freshwater habitats. Like many small barbs it is an important prey for larger fishes.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gillbar barb?

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

Where does the Gillbar barb live?

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

How big does the Gillbar barb get?

The Gillbar barb grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Gillbar barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Gillbar barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Gillbar barb edible?

The Gillbar barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kesslers barbeel sourced
English name
Gillbar barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius kessleri
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.7 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
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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