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Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) — Cyprinidae

Pobeguin's barb

Enteromius pobeguini
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa; clear streams, small rivers and pools.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Pobeguin's barb is a small African cyprinid from West Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, silvery body sometimes with a fine dark pattern. It inhabits clear brooks, small rivers and pools, often near vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. It is a peaceful schooling fish that stays in groups. Owing to its small size it is prey for larger fishes and has no fishery value. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pobeguin's barb?

The Pobeguin's barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, peaceful barb of clear West African streams and pools.

Where does the Pobeguin's barb live?

The Pobeguin's barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; clear streams, small rivers and pools.

How big does the Pobeguin's barb get?

The Pobeguin's barb grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Pobeguin's barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Pobeguin's barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pobeguin's barb edible?

The Pobeguin's barb is not usually eaten.

More photos

Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Jonathan (Jon) Armbruster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) H.Grenier, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) H.Grenier, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pobeguin's barb (Enteromius pobeguini) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
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All data

Identification

English name
Pobeguin's barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius pobeguini
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
West Africa; clear streams, small rivers and pools. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small, peaceful barb of clear West African streams and pools. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. 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 Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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