Fin's Fish Guide
The Threespot barb (Enteromius trimaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Fresh water of eastern and southern Africa, in streams, rivers, swamps and floodplains.
Description
The threespot barb is a small, silvery African barb of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 15 cm. The slender body usually bears three dark spots on the flank - one behind the gills, one below the dorsal fin and one on the tail base - and has two pairs of barbels around the mouth. The species lives in schools in streams, rivers, swamps and floodplains of eastern and southern 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 markings it occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby, and through its great numbers it is an important prey fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Threespot barb?
The Threespot barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Small, silvery African barb with usually three dark blotches on the flank and two pairs of barbels.
Where does the Threespot barb live?
The Threespot barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of eastern and southern Africa, in streams, rivers, swamps and floodplains.
How big does the Threespot barb get?
The Threespot barb grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Threespot barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Threespot barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Threespot barb edible?
The Threespot 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 Enteromius
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 Threespot barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.