Home · Cyprinidae · Aspilus barb
Aspilus barb (Enteromius aspilus) — Cyprinidae

Aspilus barb

Enteromius aspilus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Aspilus barb (Enteromius aspilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of West and Central Africa.
Edibility
Not eaten

Want the complete picture on the Aspilus barb?

Description

Enteromius aspilus is a small African barb of the family Cyprinidae from fresh water in West and Central Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with short barbels and reaches about 13 cm. It inhabits vegetated streams and rivers and lives in small groups near the bottom. It is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Because of its small size the species has no fishery value. Little detailed information is available on its precise reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aspilus barb?

The Aspilus barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small silvery barb with short barbels; inhabits vegetated streams and rivers.

Where does the Aspilus barb live?

The Aspilus barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of West and Central Africa.

How big does the Aspilus barb get?

The Aspilus barb grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Aspilus barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Aspilus barb is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Aspilus barb edible?

The Aspilus barb is not usually eaten.

Want the complete picture on the Aspilus barb?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Aspilus barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.

All data

Identification

English name
Aspilus barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius aspilus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of West and Central Africa.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insects and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Small silvery barb with short barbels; inhabits vegetated streams and rivers. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

Want the complete picture on the Aspilus barb?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Aspilus barb is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Is this the Aspilus barb?