Fin's Fish Guide
The Round-scaled barbel (Barbus cyclolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of the southern Balkan Peninsula, in the cool, flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The round-scaled barbel is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 30 cm. The elongate, yellow-brown body is often covered with dark speckles; the inferior mouth carries four barbels and thick lips, with which the fish probes the bottom. The species is adapted to cool, flowing water and lives in the upper and middle reaches of rivers of the southern Balkan Peninsula, in the Aegean drainages of Bulgaria, Greece and surroundings, on gravel and stone bottoms. As an omnivore it seeks insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and some plant material. In late spring and summer it spawns upstream on gravel. Locally it is a common river fish, though under pressure from water abstraction and pollution.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Round-scaled barbel?
The Round-scaled barbel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender barbel with four barbels and thick lips; the yellow-brown body is often covered with dark speckles, adapted to flowing water.
Where does the Round-scaled barbel live?
The Round-scaled barbel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of the southern Balkan Peninsula, in the cool, flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Round-scaled barbel get?
The Round-scaled barbel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Round-scaled barbel dangerous to humans?
No, the Round-scaled barbel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Round-scaled barbel edible?
The Round-scaled barbel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Round-scaled barbel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round-scaled barbel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Barbus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Round-scaled barbel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round-scaled barbel is one of 12,519 species in the app.