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Lake Tawar barb (Poropuntius tawarensis) — Cyprinidae

Lake Tawar barb

Poropuntius tawarensis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Lake Tawar barb (Poropuntius tawarensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Lake Tawar barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of Lake Tawar on Sumatra in Indonesia. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with barbels. As a schooling, bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear, flowing streams and rivers and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lake Tawar barb?

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

Where does the Lake Tawar barb live?

The Lake Tawar barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Lake Tawar barb get?

The Lake Tawar barb grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Lake Tawar barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Lake Tawar 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lake Tawar barb sourced
Scientific name
Poropuntius tawarensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.7 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia 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

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 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 Poropuntius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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