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Lufuko barb (Enteromius lufukiensis) — Cyprinidae

Lufuko barb

Enteromius lufukiensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Lufuko barb (Enteromius lufukiensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Lufuko barb is a cyprinid barb from East and Central Africa, occurring in western affluent rivers of Lake Tanganyika, in the Rusizi and in the Luama in the Congo basin. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body characteristic of the African barbs. It lives in schools in flowing fresh water and is an omnivore that eats algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lufuko barb?

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

Where does the Lufuko barb live?

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

How big does the Lufuko barb get?

The Lufuko barb grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Lufuko barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Lufuko barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Lufuko barb edible?

The Lufuko barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lufuko-barbeel verified
English name
Lufuko barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius lufukiensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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