Home · Cyprinidae · Liberian barb
Liberian barb (Enteromius liberiensis) — Cyprinidae

Liberian barb

Enteromius liberiensis
Family: Cyprinidae
EN · Endangered

The Liberian barb (Enteromius liberiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

Description

The Liberian barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from West Africa. The species is small and silvery with a streamlined head and barbels around the mouth. It inhabits clear streams and small rivers in the rainforest. Near the bottom it feeds on insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Owing to a limited range and habitat loss the species is considered endangered. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Liberian barb?

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

Where does the Liberian barb live?

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

How big does the Liberian barb get?

The Liberian barb grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Liberian barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Liberian barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Liberian barb edible?

The Liberian barb is rarely eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Liberiaanse barbeel sourced
English name
Liberian barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius liberiensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 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
Small 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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →