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Kolus barb (Hypselobarbus kolus) — Cyprinidae

Kolus barb

Hypselobarbus kolus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Kolus barb (Hypselobarbus kolus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India

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Description

The Kolus barb is a large cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of rivers of southern India. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and small barbels. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear, flowing rivers and reservoirs and eats algae, plant material, insects and small invertebrates. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kolus barb?

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

Where does the Kolus barb live?

The Kolus barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India

How big does the Kolus barb get?

The Kolus barb grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Kolus barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Kolus 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

Kolus barb (Hypselobarbus kolus) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Francis Day (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Kolus barb sourced
Scientific name
Hypselobarbus kolus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Kolus sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: India 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Hypselobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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