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Silver shark barb (Amblyrhynchichthys truncatus) — Cyprinidae

Silver shark barb

Amblyrhynchichthys truncatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Silver shark barb (Amblyrhynchichthys truncatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand

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Description

The silver shark barb is a cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from large rivers of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a streamlined, bright-silvery body with conspicuously large eyes and a deeply forked tail. As a schooling fish it migrates through open river water and eats small invertebrates, algae, seeds and detritus. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver shark barb?

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

Where does the Silver shark barb live?

The Silver shark barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Silver shark barb get?

The Silver shark barb grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Silver shark barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver shark 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.

More photos

Silver shark barb (Amblyrhynchichthys truncatus) — Cyprinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Published by Zoologische Mededelingen, at http://www.zoologischemededelingen.nl . Creative commons license published on main page. (CC BY 3.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Silver shark barb sourced
Scientific name
Amblyrhynchichthys truncatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Thailand 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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