Fin's Fish Guide
The Wynaad barb (Puntius mahecola) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Mahecola barb is a small cyprinid from southwestern India, notably the Western Ghats. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a slender, silvery body, sometimes with yellow or red tones in the fins and a dark tail spot. It forms schools in clear streams and rivers and feeds as an omnivore on algae, insects and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans, occurs in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wynaad barb?
The Wynaad barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender silvery little barb with a tail blotch
Where does the Wynaad barb live?
The Wynaad barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southwestern India
How big does the Wynaad barb get?
The Wynaad barb grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Wynaad barb dangerous to humans?
No, the Wynaad 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.
Is the Wynaad barb edible?
The Wynaad barb is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Wynaad barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wynaad barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Puntius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Wynaad barb?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wynaad barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.