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Sickle barb (Enteromius haasianus) — Cyprinidae

Sickle barb

Enteromius haasianus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sickle barb (Enteromius haasianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 3 cm.

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

Description

Haas's barb is a tiny African cyprinid of the genus Enteromius from Central and southern Africa. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a slender, silvery body with short barbels at the mouth. It inhabits swamps and floodplains in well-vegetated habitats. As an omnivore it searches among the vegetation for small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Owing to its small size it is mainly prey for larger fishes and waterbirds and has no fishery value. Haas's barb is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sickle barb?

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

Where does the Sickle barb live?

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

How big does the Sickle barb get?

The Sickle barb grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Sickle barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Sickle barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Sickle barb edible?

The Sickle barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moerasbarbeel sourced
English name
Sickle barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius haasianus
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Sicklefin barb; Sickle-fin barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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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