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Spined scraper (Capoeta aculeata) — Cyprinidae

Spined scraper

Capoeta aculeata
Family: Cyprinidae

The Spined scraper (Capoeta aculeata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Iran

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Description

The Spined scraper is a scraper barb (Cyprinidae) from rivers, streams and lakes of inland Iran. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with large scales, barbels and an inferior mouth with a horny edge. As a social bottom-dweller it rasps algae and biofilm from stones and searches for small invertebrates and plant matter. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spined scraper?

The Spined scraper has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Spined scraper live?

The Spined scraper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Iran

How big does the Spined scraper get?

The Spined scraper grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.

Is the Spined scraper dangerous to humans?

No, the Spined scraper 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
Spined scraper sourced
Scientific name
Capoeta aculeata
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Large scale scraper sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Asia: Iran 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
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. 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 Capoeta

More from the family Cyprinidae

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