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Redband barb (Enteromius erythrozonus) — Cyprinidae

Redband barb

Enteromius erythrozonus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Redband barb (Enteromius erythrozonus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Congo

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Description

The Redband barb is a small African barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and pools of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body, often with a dark longitudinal stripe or spots, and short barbels. As a social schooling fish it swims in clear water and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redband barb?

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

Where does the Redband barb live?

The Redband barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Congo

How big does the Redband barb get?

The Redband barb grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Redband barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Redband 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
Redband barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius erythrozonus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Congo 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 Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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