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Atakora barb (Enteromius atakorensis) — Cyprinidae

Atakora barb

Enteromius atakorensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Atakora barb (Enteromius atakorensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Atakora barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from the fresh waters of West Africa. The species is small and has a slender, silvery body with sometimes a golden sheen and barbels. It inhabits streams and small rivers, often with clear flow. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. It lives in schools and is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Atakora barb?

The Atakora barb has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Atakora barb live?

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

How big does the Atakora barb get?

The Atakora barb grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Atakora barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Atakora barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Atakora barb edible?

The Atakora barb is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Atakora-barbeeltje sourced
English name
Atakora barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius atakorensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes 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
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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