Home · Cyprinidae · Janssens' barb
Janssens' barb (Enteromius janssensi) — Cyprinidae

Janssens' barb

Enteromius janssensi
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Janssens' barb is a very small cyprinid barb from the upper Congo basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known from the upper Lualaba and the Lufira. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body characteristic of the African barbs. It lives in schools in warm fresh water and feeds omnivorously on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and of no fisheries interest. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Janssens' barb?

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

Where does the Janssens' barb live?

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

How big does the Janssens' barb get?

The Janssens' barb grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Janssens' barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Janssens' barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Janssens' barb edible?

The Janssens' barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Janssens' barbeel verified
English name
Janssens' barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius janssensi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

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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