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Fourline barb (Enteromius quadrilineatus) — Cyprinidae

Fourline barb

Enteromius quadrilineatus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Fourline barb (Enteromius quadrilineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Enteromius quadrilineatus is a very small African barb (family Cyprinidae). The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a slender, silvery body with four dark longitudinal stripes and short barbels. It lives near the bottom in rivers and streams and feeds as an omnivore on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like many small barbs the species lives in groups in vegetated waters. Because of its small size it is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fourline barb?

The Fourline barb has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Fourline barb live?

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

How big does the Fourline barb get?

The Fourline barb grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Fourline barb dangerous to humans?

No, the Fourline barb is harmless to humans.

Is the Fourline barb edible?

The Fourline barb is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vierstreep-barbeel sourced
English name
Fourline barb sourced
Scientific name
Enteromius quadrilineatus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes 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
Schooling 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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