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Blackspot barb (Enteromius atromaculatus) — Cyprinidae

Blackspot barb

Enteromius atromaculatus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackspot barb (Enteromius atromaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Blackspot barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, silvery body, sometimes with dark spots or a longitudinal stripe, and small barbels. As a schooling fish it swims in clear rivers, streams and pools and snaps at insect larvae, small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackspot barb?

The Blackspot barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blackspot barb live?

The Blackspot barb lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blackspot barb get?

The Blackspot barb grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Blackspot barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspot barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackspot barb edible?

The Blackspot barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartvlek-barbeel sourced
English name
Blackspot barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius atromaculatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots 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
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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 verified

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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