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Perince barb (Enteromius perince) — Cyprinidae

Perince barb

Enteromius perince
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Perince barb (Enteromius perince) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Enteromius perince is a small barb of the family Cyprinidae from fresh water of the Nile basin and West Africa. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a few dark spots and short barbels, and reaches about 9 cm. Several forms exist that differ in spot pattern. It inhabits vegetated streams, swamps and rivers and lives in small groups. As a small omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, insects and algae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of African freshwater habitats.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Perince barb?

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

Where does the Perince barb live?

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

How big does the Perince barb get?

The Perince barb grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Perince barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Perince barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Perince barb edible?

The Perince barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drievlek-Nijlbarbeel sourced
English name
Perince barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius perince
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots 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
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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