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Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae

Pangani barb

Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa; rivers.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The sharpnose barb is a large African barb (Cyprinidae) from Africa. The species has a robust, silvery body with large scales and a pointed snout; juveniles have highly variable mouth shapes and sometimes develop rubbery lips. It lives in rivers and forages as an omnivore for growth, algae, invertebrates and plant matter. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pangani barb?

The Pangani barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pointed snout and highly variable mouth shape; juveniles sometimes develop rubbery lips.

Where does the Pangani barb live?

The Pangani barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa; rivers.

How big does the Pangani barb get?

The Pangani barb grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Pangani barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Pangani barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pangani barb edible?

Yes, the Pangani barb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Joshua Rains, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Joshua Rains, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Joshua Rains, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pangani barb (Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Tobby Odhacha, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Pangani barb verified
Scientific name
Labeobarbus oxyrhynchus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa; rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Biofilm, algae, invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Pointed snout and highly variable mouth shape; juveniles sometimes develop rubbery lips. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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