Fin's Fish Guide
The Guiral's barb (Enteromius guirali) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
Guiral's barb is a small, silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 16 cm. The slender body has small barbels around the mouth and bears several dark spots on the flank. The species lives in schools in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant water plants in West and Central Africa. 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 on flooded margins, where the young grow up quickly. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and waterbirds and is caught locally as a small food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guiral's barb?
The Guiral's barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Small, silvery African barb with small barbels and a few dark blotches on the flank.
Where does the Guiral's barb live?
The Guiral's barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Guiral's barb get?
The Guiral's barb grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Guiral's barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Guiral's barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guiral's barb edible?
The Guiral's 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 Guiral's barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guiral's barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.