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Greenstripe barb (Enteromius chlorotaenia) — Cyprinidae

Greenstripe barb

Enteromius chlorotaenia
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
9.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West and Central Africa; rivers and streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The greenstripe barb is a small African cyprinid of the genus Enteromius. The species grows to only about 8 to 10 cm and has a slender, silvery body, usually with a shiny greenish lateral stripe. Like other small barbs it has barbels at the mouth. It lives in flowing and standing fresh waters and is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. The species forms small schools and is prey for larger fishes. Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Greenstripe barb?

The Greenstripe barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender little barb with a greenish longitudinal stripe and barbels at the mouth.

Where does the Greenstripe barb live?

The Greenstripe barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West and Central Africa; rivers and streams.

How big does the Greenstripe barb get?

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

Is the Greenstripe barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Greenstripe barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Greenstripe barb edible?

The Greenstripe barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Greenstripe barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius chlorotaenia
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
West and Central Africa; rivers and streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Slender little barb with a greenish longitudinal stripe and barbels at the mouth. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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