Fin's Fish Guide
The Scarlet banded barb (Puntius amphibius) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Indian barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from South Asia. The species is slender and silvery. It inhabits streams descending from the wet-zone foothills, especially parts with a gravel or pebble bottom. It lives in schools and is an omnivore that feeds on insects, small zooplankton, algae and detritus. It is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scarlet banded barb?
The Scarlet banded barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small shoaling barb of clear streams with a gravel bottom; prey fish.
Where does the Scarlet banded barb live?
The Scarlet banded barb lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South Asia; streams with a gravel or pebble bottom.
How big does the Scarlet banded barb get?
The Scarlet banded barb grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Scarlet banded barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Scarlet banded barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scarlet banded barb edible?
The Scarlet banded barb is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Puntius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Scarlet banded barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scarlet banded barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.