Fin's Fish Guide
The Orangefin barb (Enteromius eutaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in clear streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The orangefin barb is a slender, silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 14 cm. The body is silvery with a golden sheen, bears a conspicuous dark stripe along the flank and orange-yellow fins; fine barbels surround the mouth. The species lives in schools in clear streams, rivers and swamps with abundant water plants in Central and southern Africa. As an omnivore it eats insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus, taken in the water column and from the bottom. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins, where the young grow up quickly. Because of its handsome colour it is popular in the aquarium hobby and in the wild an important prey fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orangefin barb?
The Orangefin barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silvery small African barb with a dark longitudinal stripe and orange-yellow fins; bears barbels around the mouth.
Where does the Orangefin barb live?
The Orangefin barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in clear streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Orangefin barb get?
The Orangefin barb grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Orangefin barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Orangefin barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Orangefin barb edible?
The Orangefin barb is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Enteromius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Orangefin barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orangefin barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.