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Goldie barb (Enteromius pallidus) — Cyprinidae

Goldie barb

Enteromius pallidus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

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

Length
7 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 goldie barb is a small cyprinid barb endemic to the eastern Cape of South Africa, from the Krom to the Great Fish system. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a translucent light brown to golden body with scattered black spots, especially in juveniles, and two pairs of long barbels. It lives in pools of clear, rocky streams and feeds omnivorously. The species spawns from October to November and lays its eggs among aquatic plants. It is popular in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goldie barb?

The Goldie barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Goldie barb live?

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

How big does the Goldie barb get?

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

Is the Goldie barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Goldie barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Goldie barb edible?

The Goldie barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Goudbarbeel verified
English name
Goldie barb verified
Scientific name
Enteromius pallidus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots 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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