Fin's Fish Guide
The Fewstripe barb (Enteromius oligogrammus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers.
Description
The fewstripe barb is a small, silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 8 cm. The slender body bears several dark lengthwise stripes or spots on the flank and has small barbels around the mouth. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in schools in slow, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers. As an omnivore it eats insects, zooplankton, algae and detritus, taken in the water column and from the bottom. In the rainy season it spawns among the water plants. For its small size and handsome markings it occasionally appears in the small community aquarium, and in the wild it is a prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fewstripe barb?
The Fewstripe barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, silvery African barb with a few dark longitudinal stripes or blotches and small barbels.
Where does the Fewstripe barb live?
The Fewstripe barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of creeks and rivers.
How big does the Fewstripe barb get?
The Fewstripe barb grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Fewstripe barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Fewstripe barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fewstripe barb edible?
The Fewstripe barb is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enteromius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Fewstripe barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fewstripe barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.