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Threespot barb (Enteromius trispilos) — Cyprinidae

Threespot barb

Enteromius trispilos
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Threespot barb (Enteromius trispilos) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

Enteromius trispilos is a small West African barb of the family Cyprinidae. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a few dark spots, to which the name (trispilos, three-spotted) refers, and bears short barbels. It grows to about 10 cm and inhabits vegetated streams and rivers, where it feeds on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Like many small barbs the species lives in small groups near the bottom. Little detailed information is available on its precise reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threespot barb?

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

Where does the Threespot barb live?

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

How big does the Threespot barb get?

The Threespot barb grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Threespot barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Threespot barb is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drievlek-barbeel sourced
English name
Threespot barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius trispilos
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.5 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

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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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