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Iridescent barb (Acrossocheilus iridescens) — Cyprinidae

Iridescent barb

Acrossocheilus iridescens
Family: Cyprinidae

The Iridescent barb (Acrossocheilus iridescens) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
29.7 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Laos, Viet Nam

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Description

The iridescent barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of southern China and adjacent Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with an iridescent sheen, dark crossbars in juveniles and small barbels. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear mountain rivers and scrapes algae, biofilm and small invertebrates from stones. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Iridescent barb?

The Iridescent barb has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Iridescent barb live?

The Iridescent barb lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: China, Laos, Viet Nam

How big does the Iridescent barb get?

The Iridescent barb grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Iridescent barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Iridescent 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

Iridescent barb (Acrossocheilus iridescens) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 刘光裕 Liu Guangyu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Iridescent barb (Acrossocheilus iridescens) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) 周鑫龙, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Iridescent barb (Acrossocheilus iridescens) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Mike, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Iridescent barb sourced
Scientific name
Acrossocheilus iridescens
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Laos, Viet Nam 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

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Acrossocheilus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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