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Blind barb (Barbopsis devecchii) — Cyprinidae

Blind barb

Barbopsis devecchii
Family: Cyprinidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Blind barb (Barbopsis devecchii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Somalian cavefish is a blind cyprinid (Cyprinidae) adapted to life in caves and subterranean waters in Somalia. The species is small and, owing to life in complete darkness, has strongly reduced or entirely absent eyes and little pigment, so it appears pale pink to whitish. It orients itself by touch and flow senses. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for the scarce organic material entering the cave. Owing to its restricted, vulnerable habitat and lack of data the species is regarded as data deficient. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blind barb?

The Blind barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blind barb live?

The Blind barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blind barb get?

The Blind barb grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Blind barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Blind barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Blind barb edible?

The Blind barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Somalische blinde grotvis sourced
English name
Blind barb verified
Scientific name
Barbopsis devecchii
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Somalian blind barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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