Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean barbel (Barbus meridionalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Fresh water of South-West Europe, in the cool, fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The Mediterranean barbel is a small cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 27 cm, smaller than the common barbel. The elongate, yellow-brown body is often covered with dark speckles; the inferior mouth carries four barbels and thick lips, with which the fish probes the bottom. The species is adapted to cool, fast-flowing water and lives in the upper and middle reaches of rivers and streams of south-western Europe, on gravel and stone bottoms. As an omnivore it seeks insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and some plant material. It spawns upstream on gravel. Through habitat loss and water pollution the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean barbel?
The Mediterranean barbel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small barb with four barbels and thick lips; body often with dark speckles, adapted to fast-flowing water.
Where does the Mediterranean barbel live?
The Mediterranean barbel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of South-West Europe, in the cool, fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Mediterranean barbel get?
The Mediterranean barbel grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Mediterranean barbel dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean barbel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean barbel edible?
The Mediterranean barbel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Barbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean barbel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean barbel is one of 12,519 species in the app.