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Roberts's barb (Labeobarbus robertsi) — Cyprinidae

Roberts's barb

Labeobarbus robertsi
Family: Cyprinidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Roberts's barb (Labeobarbus robertsi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa; freshwater rivers and streams.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Roberts's barb is a small African cyprinid of the genus Labeobarbus. The species grows to only about 6 to 7 cm and has a slender, silvery body with barbels at the mouth, characteristic of barbs. It lives in freshwater rivers and brooks and is a bottom-oriented omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Owing to limited data on distribution and population the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roberts's barb?

The Roberts's barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small barb with barbels; assessed as data deficient (DD) owing to a lack of data.

Where does the Roberts's barb live?

The Roberts's barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa; freshwater rivers and streams.

How big does the Roberts's barb get?

The Roberts's barb grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Roberts's barb dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Roberts's barb edible?

The Roberts's barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Roberts's barb sourced
Scientific name
Labeobarbus robertsi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal 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; freshwater rivers and streams. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups 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 barb with barbels; assessed as data deficient (DD) owing to a lack of data. 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 Labeobarbus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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