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Nyanza barb (Enteromius nyanzae) — Cyprinidae

Nyanza barb

Enteromius nyanzae
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Nyanza barb (Enteromius nyanzae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

The barb is a small cyprinid (Cyprinidae) from East Africa. The species is slender and silvery with barbels around the mouth. It inhabits lakes and rivers; in the Lake Victoria system it enters rivers and lakeside streams during the rainy season to spawn. Near the bottom it feeds on insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. It is a prey fish for larger fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nyanza barb?

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

Where does the Nyanza barb live?

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

How big does the Nyanza barb get?

The Nyanza barb grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Nyanza barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Nyanza barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Nyanza barb edible?

The Nyanza barb is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Victoria-barbeel sourced
English name
Nyanza barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius nyanzae
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Nyanza barb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 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
Large 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

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