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Inconspicious barb (Enteromius innocens) — Cyprinidae

Inconspicious barb

Enteromius innocens
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Inconspicious barb (Enteromius innocens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of Africa.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The inconspicuous barb is a small African freshwater fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae). The species reaches only about 8 cm and has a plainly shaped, silvery body without conspicuous markings, from which it takes its name. It lives in shallow, sandy and vegetated parts of brooks and rivers and there searches for insects, water plants and plant debris. Like many barbs it has barbels to probe the substrate. The species lives in small groups and is completely harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Inconspicious barb?

The Inconspicious barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Simple, inconspicuously coloured body; has barbels.

Where does the Inconspicious barb live?

The Inconspicious barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of Africa.

How big does the Inconspicious barb get?

The Inconspicious barb grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Inconspicious barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Inconspicious 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 Inconspicious barb edible?

The Inconspicious barb is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Inconspicious barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius innocens
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Freshwater of Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, aquatic plants and plant debris sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Reproduction coincides with the rainy season. inferred
Special features
Simple, inconspicuously coloured body; has barbels. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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