Home · Cyprinidae · Striped African barb
Striped African barb (Enteromius sublineatus) — Cyprinidae

Striped African barb

Enteromius sublineatus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Striped African barb (Enteromius sublineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

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

Description

The striped African barb is a small African freshwater fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae). The species grows to about 8 to 10 cm and has a streamlined, laterally compressed body with a fine, dark lengthwise marking on the flank. It inhabits brooks and small rivers and searches on and near the bottom for small invertebrates and plant matter. Like many barbs it has barbels with which it probes the substrate. The species lives in small groups and has no commercial value. It is completely harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped African barb?

The Striped African barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Striped African barb live?

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

How big does the Striped African barb get?

The Striped African barb grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Striped African barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped African barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Striped African barb edible?

The Striped African 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
Gestreepte barbeel sourced
English name
Striped African barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius sublineatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

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

Get the beta →