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Chiumbe barb (Enteromius chiumbeensis) — Cyprinidae

Chiumbe barb

Enteromius chiumbeensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Chiumbe barb (Enteromius chiumbeensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Chiumbe barb is a small African cyprinid from the Congo basin in Central Africa, including the Chiumbe River. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body. It inhabits rivers and brooks with quiet to moderately flowing water and stays among vegetation. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and detritus. It is a peaceful schooling fish. Owing to its small size it is mainly prey for larger fishes and is of limited fishery value. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chiumbe barb?

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

Where does the Chiumbe barb live?

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

How big does the Chiumbe barb get?

The Chiumbe barb grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Chiumbe barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Chiumbe barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Chiumbe barb edible?

The Chiumbe barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Chiumbe-barbeel sourced
English name
Chiumbe barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius chiumbeensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 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
Schooling 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

Same genus Enteromius

More from the family Cyprinidae

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