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Chicapa barb (Enteromius chicapaensis) — Cyprinidae

Chicapa barb

Enteromius chicapaensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Chicapa barb (Enteromius chicapaensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; streams and rivers.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Chicapa barb is a small African barb (Cyprinidae) from Central Africa. The species is small and silvery with short barbels at the mouth. It inhabits streams and rivers and stays mainly near the bottom. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. It lives in schools and is a prey fish for larger species. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chicapa barb?

The Chicapa barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small shoaling barb of the Kasai system in the Congo basin.

Where does the Chicapa barb live?

The Chicapa barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; streams and rivers.

How big does the Chicapa barb get?

The Chicapa barb grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Chicapa barb dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Chicapa barb edible?

The Chicapa barb is rarely eaten.

More photos

Chicapa barb (Enteromius chicapaensis) — Cyprinidae — 2
R. Bills (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB

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All data

Identification

English name
Chicapa barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius chicapaensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; streams and rivers.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Large 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 shoaling barb of the Kasai system in the Congo basin. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or 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

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