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Fewscale barbel (Barbus oligolepis) — Cyprinidae

Fewscale barbel

Barbus oligolepis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Fewscale barbel (Barbus oligolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Türkiye

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Description

The Fewscale barbel is a barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and lakes of Anatolia in Turkey. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and often barbels by the mouth. As a social schooling fish it searches for insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and plant matter. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fewscale barbel?

The Fewscale barbel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Fewscale barbel live?

The Fewscale barbel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Türkiye

How big does the Fewscale barbel get?

The Fewscale barbel grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Fewscale barbel dangerous to humans?

No, the Fewscale barbel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fewscale barbel sourced
Scientific name
Barbus oligolepis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Marmara barbel sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Türkiye sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Barbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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