Fin's Fish Guide
The Greater bonylip barb (Osteochilus melanopleurus) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The greater bonylip barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of the Mekong basin and Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has an elongate, silver-grey body with an inferior mouth bearing thick, folded lips with which it scrapes growth from surfaces. As a schooling, bottom-oriented fish it lives in rivers and flooded forests and eats algae, plant material and detritus. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greater bonylip barb?
The Greater bonylip barb is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Greater bonylip barb live?
The Greater bonylip barb is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Greater bonylip barb get?
The Greater bonylip barb grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Greater bonylip barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Greater bonylip 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Greater bonylip barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater bonylip barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Osteochilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Greater bonylip barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater bonylip barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.