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Zanzibar barb (Enteromius zanzibaricus) — Cyprinidae

Zanzibar barb

Enteromius zanzibaricus
Family: Cyprinidae

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

Length
9.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

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

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Zanzibar barb?

The Zanzibar barb has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Zanzibar barb live?

The Zanzibar barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Zanzibar barb get?

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

Is the Zanzibar barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Zanzibar barb is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zanzibar-barbeel sourced
English name
Zanzibar barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius zanzibaricus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water 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

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 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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