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Kosswig's barbel (Luciobarbus kosswigi) — Cyprinidae

Kosswig's barbel

Luciobarbus kosswigi
Family: Cyprinidae

The Kosswig's barbel (Luciobarbus kosswigi) is a fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

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Description

Kosswig's barbel is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from clear, flowing rivers of Anatolia in Turkey. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales and two pairs of barbels by the mouth. As a social bottom-oriented omnivore it searches over sand and gravel for insect larvae, molluscs, algae and plant matter. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kosswig's barbel?

The Kosswig's barbel is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Kosswig's barbel live?

The Kosswig's barbel is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Kosswig's barbel get?

The Kosswig's barbel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Kosswig's barbel dangerous to humans?

No, the Kosswig's barbel 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Kosswig's barbel sourced
Scientific name
Luciobarbus kosswigi
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Barbell; Ercis barbel; Ercis barbell; Kosswig's barbell; Kura barbel; Kura barbell

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
30 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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

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 Luciobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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