Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped flying barb (Esomus metallicus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The striped flying barb is a small cyprinid from Southeast Asia, occurring in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. The species reaches about 7.5 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shining, metallic lateral stripe and very long barbels. It occurs in rivers and swamps and is usually associated with standing or slow-flowing, shallow waters; it is abundant in flooded rice paddies, canals and ditches. It avoids large rivers. When temporary waters dry up it moves to newly inundated areas. The diet consists of insects, small zooplankton and algae.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped flying barb?
The Striped flying barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Long barbels and a shiny longitudinal stripe; inhabitant of flooded rice fields.
Where does the Striped flying barb live?
The Striped flying barb lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia, in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins.
How big does the Striped flying barb get?
The Striped flying barb grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Striped flying barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped flying barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped flying barb edible?
Yes, the Striped flying barb is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Esomus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped flying barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.