Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotscale barb (Enteromius holotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water of Central and West Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The spotscale barb is a small, silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 12 cm. The slender body bears a conspicuous dark lengthwise stripe running from the head to the tail and has two pairs of barbels around the mouth. The species lives in schools in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant water plants in Central and West Africa. As an omnivore it eats insects, zooplankton, algae and detritus, taken in the water column and from the bottom. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins. For its handsome stripe it occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby, and through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotscale barb?
The Spotscale barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, silvery barb with a dark longitudinal stripe from the head to the tail and two pairs of barbels.
Where does the Spotscale barb live?
The Spotscale barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central and West Africa, in streams, rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Spotscale barb get?
The Spotscale barb grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Spotscale barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotscale barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotscale barb edible?
The Spotscale barb is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enteromius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotscale barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotscale barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.