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Fritsch's barb (Carasobarbus fritschii) — Cyprinidae

Fritsch's barb

Carasobarbus fritschii
Family: Cyprinidae

The Fritsch's barb (Carasobarbus fritschii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Algeria, Morocco
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Fritsch's barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of rivers of Morocco in North Africa. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with fine scales. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in rivers and streams and eats algae, small invertebrates, plant material and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fritsch's barb?

The Fritsch's barb has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Fritsch's barb live?

The Fritsch's barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Algeria, Morocco

How big does the Fritsch's barb get?

The Fritsch's barb grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Fritsch's barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Fritsch's barb 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.

Is the Fritsch's barb edible?

The Fritsch's barb is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fritsch's barb sourced
Scientific name
Carasobarbus fritschii
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Algeria, Morocco sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
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

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Carasobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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